Audit of cases presenting at the out patient department of a district Nigerian hospital

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Disease is a cause of morbidity and mortality and is caused by both communicable and one-communicable disease. Malaria continues to be one of the major public health challenges in the world, particularly in Africa despite the fact that numerous studies have identified effective methods of prevention.
METHOD: This is a prospective study was conducted at General Hospital, Aliero, Nigeria. All adult patients who came for outpatient consultation were recruited into the study.
RESULTS: 1636 adults were studied. The commonest reason for visiting the outpatient clinic was malaria 36.63 %( 632), peptic ulcer disease 19.80 %( 324) and urinary tract infection 187(11.43%). The commonest non-communicable disease was hypertension 4.95% (84). Myasthenia gravis was the least cause of outpatient consultation 0.06 %( 1). Infections were the commonest cause of disease at the centre.
CONCLUSION: Improved hygiene and sanitary conditions will reduce the morbidity and mortality due to infections and infestations in developing counties.