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Mortality pattern in children: a hospital based study in Nigeria
I O George1, B A Alex-Hart, A I Frank-Briggs
1Department of Paediatrics, University of Port-Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Port-Harcourt, Nigeria.
International Journal of Biomedical Science : IJBS
|May 16, 2013
Summary
Child mortality in Nigerian children under five was primarily caused by HIV/AIDS and bronchopneumonia. Intensifying healthcare programs can significantly reduce child deaths and achieve health goals.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Hospital mortality data reflects community health trends.
- Analyzing mortality patterns aids in service evaluation and patient care improvement.
- This study focuses on pediatric mortality at the University of Port-Harcourt Teaching Hospital.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the mortality patterns of children admitted to the University of Port-Harcourt Teaching Hospital.
- To identify the leading causes of death in pediatric admissions.
- To inform strategies for reducing child mortality.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study design.
- Review of case files for pediatric admissions (1 month to 16 years) over a 2-year period (Jan 2007-Dec 2008).
- Exclusion of neonatal and surgical cases.
Main Results:
- A total of 2,174 admissions with 61 deaths, resulting in a 2.8% mortality rate.
- The majority of deaths (80.3%) occurred in children under five years old.
- Leading causes of death included HIV/AIDS and bronchopneumonia (under-five), and malignancies and HIV/AIDS (over-five).
Conclusions:
- Effective Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS) control is crucial for reducing child mortality.
- Further investigation into the risk factors for malignancies in children is warranted.
- Intensifying integrated management of childhood illnesses and primary healthcare programs is essential for achieving Sustainable Development Goal 4 (MDG 4).
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