[Causes Of Death In The Medicine Department Of The Regional Hospital Of Sikasso]

The causes of death are of great importance in assessing the health status of the population and care'squality. Their study could guide health policies aimed at increasing life expectancy.

It was to determine the causes of death; to study the socio-demographic characteristics of deceased.

This was a retrospective and descriptive study of all deaths that occurred in the Medical Department of Sikasso Hospital from January 2018 to December 2020.

Among 265 deaths recorded, the mean age was 45.12 ± 17.5 years. The sex ratio was 1.59. They were mostly city dwellers and 51.64% lived in Sikasso city. The mean length of hospitalization was 7.09 ± 6.38 days. Kidney failure was the first reason for hospitalization. HIV infection was the leading cause of death (29.8%), followed by renal failure (24.2%). The male sex was predominant in all causes of death except HIV infection and anemia. Deaths linked to kidney failure have increased fivefold from 2018 to 2020.

Deaths related to HIV/AIDS remain in the lead despite their strong reduction; those related to kidney failure have increased fivefold.