Mortality and morbidity pattern in measles in Tanga District, Tanzania
Tropical and Geographical Medicine
|December 1, 1975
Insights
Measles significantly impacts children under one year old in Tanzania, with mortality linked to poor nutrition and complications. Effective medical care and follow-up are crucial for improving outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Measles remains a significant pediatric health concern in many regions.
- Understanding measles morbidity and mortality patterns is vital for targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate measles morbidity and mortality among children in Tanga District Hospital, Tanzania.
- To identify key factors influencing measles outcomes in the study population.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective study of 250 children diagnosed with measles.
- Analysis of incidence, mortality rates, nutritional status, and complications.
Main Results:
- Highest measles incidence observed in infants aged 6-12 months (40%).
- Mortality was strongly correlated with nutritional status and concurrent complications.
- Challenges in medical care by auxiliaries and poor weight gain during follow-up were noted.
Conclusions:
- Nutritional status and complications are critical determinants of measles mortality in Tanzanian children.
- Improvements in healthcare delivery and nutritional support during follow-up are essential for reducing measles-related deaths.
Abstract:
Two hundred and fifty children, suffering from measles were studied for morbidity and mortality in Tanga District Hospital in Tanzania. The highest incidence of measles was in the second half of the first year of childhood (40%). Mortality was directly related to the nutritional status and associated complications. Medical care at the health centre level by medical auxiliaries during the acute phase and the problem of poor weight gain on follow-up are discussed.
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