245 Changing Demographics of Head Injury During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract Introduction Studies have shown that men are more likely to sustain head injuries (HI) due a higher likelihood of participation in high-risk behaviours. However, the COVID-19 lockdown caused substantial alterations daily routines Welsh population. We aimed describe demographical changes HI patients by this large-scale restriction public social activity. Method A retrospective review our neurosurgical referral database was performed between 1/1/19 31/12/20 extract patient demographics and outcomes (admission/advice only) adult injury patients. Referrals during Wales (26/3/20 – 1/6/20 31/10/20 2/12/20) were compared with non-lockdown periods 2019 2020. Results There no significant difference volume (n = 1228) vs 2020 1179) (OR: 0.71; 95% CI: 0.53 0.96, p 0.02). Women less be admitted 0.60, 95%CI: 0.39 0.91, 0.02) 0.52, 0.31–0.88, 0.01). observed evidence interaction age sex (p Most strikingly, there odds admission women aged 40–70 years 10.4, 1.13 95.8, 0.04). Conclusions shifts periods, striking increases rates under 40 40–70. The cause these need clarification important health implications. Given reduced road traffic accidents lockdown, other factors such as alcohol or assault considering.