Burden of diseases in Amhara region, Ethiopia

This community based cross sectional study was conducted to estimate the Burden of Diseases in Amhara region of Ethiopia in 1997 - 1998 A total of 7 urban and 14 rural kebeles (social administrative units) were included in four administrative zones where questionnaire on morbidity, disability and mortality were administered. A total of 17780 people were included in the study. The total DALY was 51775 per 100000 population. The highest number of DALY lost were obtained for acute respiratory tract infections (especially children), malaria, diarrhoea, tuberculosis, and maternal and perinatal causes. Communicable and maternal and perinatal problems contributed to about 68% of the DALY lost. Whereas the contribution of noncommunicable diseases was about 17%. Accidents and injuries accounted for 6.4% of the DALY lost. The rest 4.9% and 3.7% were attributed to long-term disabilities where the cause could not be determined and undetermined causes of death respectively. It appears that while the traditional public health problems still persist in high prevalence, the so called "diseases of civilization" are also emerging thus further stretching the available resources for health. The findings of this study can be used to design appropriate strategies and use health resources efficiently.