Andreas Chiabi1, Kate Kan1,2, Anaëlle Massom1, Cecilia Fomenky1, Samuel Angwafor1,2, Denis Nsame Nforniwe2.
1Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, The University of Bamenda, Cameroon,
2Pediatric Service, Regional Hospital Bamenda, North West Region, Cameroon.
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Abstract
Background: Despite the fact that efforts are being made, the mortality rates due to preventable and treatable causes still remain high in children, especially in the under-fives. The study aimed at describing the pattern, outcome of paediatric morbidities and determine factors associated with mortality at the Paediatric unit of the Bamenda Regional Hospital (BRH).
Methods: This was a retrospective study of paediatric admissions at the children’s ward of the BRH from 1st January 2016 to 31st December 2022. Children aged 3 months to 15 years admitted in that unit, within the study period were enrolled in the study.
Results: Major causes of admissions were: malaria, lower respiratory tract infections, diarrhea, and major causes of death were severe malaria, meningitis, and pneumonia. Most of the patients were discharged cured (93.1%), 0.6 % were referred, and 4.1% were discharged against medical advice. The mortality rate was 2.2% and factors associated with mortality were living in a rural setting, late presentation (>10 days after onset of symptoms), and prolonged hospital stay (> 3 weeks). The majority of the deaths (54.8%) occurred between 10 pm, and 3am, and lower rates were between 6 am, and 3 pm.
Conclusion: Malaria preventive measures and infant immunizations should be reinforced to avert common infant morbidities.
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