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[Morbidity and mortality in a pediatric department in Dakar]
Insights
High pediatric mortality in Dakar, Senegal, was observed in 1983, particularly among neonates and young children. Diarrhea, malnutrition, and respiratory illnesses were leading causes, with seasonal patterns influencing admissions and deaths.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Medicine
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- A 1983 study examined pediatric morbidity and mortality in Dakar, Senegal.
- Patients represented a privileged segment of the Senegalese population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze pediatric mortality and morbidity patterns in Dakar.
- To identify key disease burdens and risk factors in a pediatric department.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of patient data from a pediatric department in Dakar for the year 1983.
- Data collection focused on admission and mortality rates, age groups, seasonality, and primary diagnoses.
Main Results:
- Overall mortality rate was high at 17%.
- Neonatal period accounted for 51.5% of deaths, with 21% in the 1-23 month age group.
- Significant seasonal variation observed, with increased admissions and deaths from June to December.
- Leading causes of death included diarrhea, malnutrition, and respiratory diseases.
Conclusions:
- Despite belonging to a privileged group, pediatric patients in Dakar faced high mortality rates.
- Neonatal mortality and deaths in early childhood are critical concerns.
- Diarrhea, malnutrition, and respiratory diseases represent major pediatric health challenges in the region.
- Seasonal factors significantly impact pediatric health outcomes, necessitating targeted interventions.
Abstract:
The authors study, for the year 1983, the morbidity and the mortality in a pediatrics department in Dakar. Despite the fact that the patients admitted belong to a privileged group of the senegalese population, the mortality rate is high (17%), mainly during the neonatal period (51.5%), and within the age group of 1 to 23 months (21%). Seasonal influence is obvious. Admissions and deaths are significantly more numerous from june to december. The diseases of concern are still diarrhea, malnutrition and respiratory diseases.