Morbidty pattern amongst the adult population in three levels of health care in the north and central senatorial districts of Edo State, Nigeria

Abstract

This retrospective cross- sectional survey assesses the morbidity pattern in the North and Central senatorial districts of Edo, State, Nigeria, using a combination of random and systematic sampling techniques. Diagnostic records in case notes of 2,500 general outpatients for the year 2007 were studied. The data collected was analyzed using SPSS statistical software (version 16) and the values expressed as mean ± standard deviation. Tests of statistical significance were also performed using the chi square and goodness of fit tools. Results showed that Malaria was the leading cause of morbidity followed by Hypertension, Musculoskeletal system (MSS) pathologies/trauma, Peptic Ulcer Disease (PUD), Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD) and Skin diseases/infections (ranked lowest). Diseases comprising anaemias, helminthiasis, diabetes mellitus, HIV/AIDS, and Adverse Drug Reactions (ADR), as well as CNS, CVS, ENT, Eye diseases among others, were most common in ISTH. Overall, malaria, hypertension, MSS pathology and PUD were the commonest cause of morbidity, while skin diseases, UTI and disease of the GIT were the least. These findings could be a guide to provision of health services and allocation of resources by relevant agencies.

Keywords: Morbidity pattern; Health care facilities, Diseases