Trauma Severity and Not the Socio-Economic Variables Determine Survival after Penetrating Trauma in a Medium-Income Country

Abstract

Survival after severe trauma is lower in low- and middle-income countries. Quality of pre-hospital care, lack of insurance, and differential access to trauma care are possible explanations. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of lack of insurance, pre-hospital times, and the nature of the hospital (public or private) in survival after violent penetrating trauma in a middle-income country.