Trend in paediatric emergencies that presented in ABSUTH – A five- year review (2013-2017)

Abstract

Background:

In order to improve the quality of prompt child care and to assess the efforts towards the realization of sustainable development goal (SDG) ³, a regular appraisal of the morbidity and the mortality pattern at our emergency units is important. Findings of this study can inform policy decisions on resources and manpower allocations as well as preventive measures in the bid to reduce mortality and morbidity from childhood diseases.

Objective:

To evaluate the trend in Paediatric Emergency Presentations in ABSUTH from 2013-2017.

Materials and Methods:

This is a descriptive cross-sectional study done over a 5-year period. The age, gender, common presentations of Paediatric Emergencies, times of presentations and outcome of all the children aged 0-18 years that presented to children emergency room (CHER) of ABSUTH were consecutively documented. Data was obtained using hospital medical record files and analyzed using SPSS Version 21 and Excel 2010, Data was also presented using tables (simple and complex tables) and figures.

Results:

There were 281 patients, 52.3% of whom were females and 47.7% males. Bronchopneumonia (11.7%), Sepsis (16), Diarrhea diseases (10.7%), severe malaria (20.6%), uncomplicated malaria (13.5%); were the major cause of admission. Mortality rate within the study period was 3%, discharged (86.5%), 9.5% were transferred to the wards, none was referred to other units while 1% were discharged against medical advice. Of the children that presented, the age distribution is as follows; less than 6 months (19.6%), 6 months to 1 year (25.3%), 1-5 years (32.0%), 6-11 years (17.1%), and 6.0% for children aged between 12-18 years. For the times of presentation of these emergencies, 14.6% presented equally in both January and February, 13.2% in March, 10.7% in April, 9.3% in May, 6.8% June, 0.8% in July , 5.3% in August, 5.7% in September and October, 8.2% in November, and 5.3% in December.

Conclusion and Recommendation:

Under-five mortality still remains high in our environment with Bronchopneumonia, Severe Malaria, Sepsis, Diarrhea diseases and Uncomplicated Malaria being the major cause of morbidity. Poor health seeking behaviours are generally associated with poor health awareness of the caregivers. There is therefore a need to put in place programs which will address the challenges of under-five mortality.