Changing trends in mortality and morbidity in a teaching hospital in central India

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Public Health
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Hospital admission patterns for children under 14 years were analyzed across two distinct periods.
• Population growth correlated with an increase in annual pediatric hospital admissions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare mortality and morbidity patterns in pediatric hospital admissions over time.
• To identify trends in childhood diseases and their outcomes.
• To inform health strategies and medical education priorities.

Main Methods:

• Comparative analysis of hospital admission data from 1966-1968 and 1977-1981.
• Examination of mortality and morbidity rates across different age groups within the pediatric population.

Main Results:

• Annual pediatric admission rates rose proportionally with population increase.
• Patient discharge within a week increased significantly, indicating a faster hospital bed turnover.
• Protein energy malnutrition, infections, and diarrhea with dehydration were identified as primary causes of mortality.
• While the overall pattern of mortality and morbidity remained similar, mortality rates across all pediatric age groups considerably declined.

Conclusions:

• Despite persistent challenges like malnutrition and infections, significant progress has been made in reducing pediatric mortality.
• The findings highlight the need for strategic health planning and adjustments in medical education to address current and future pediatric health challenges.