Synopsis of clients seen at the Adolescent and Social Paediatrics unit of a tertiary health facility in South‑East Nigeria: A three‑year review

Abstract

Background: The adolescent period is a unique and crucial period of growth and development, in which the child transits from childhood to adulthood. It is characterised by several changes, both physiological and psychological, in preparation for adulthood. Thus, their health needs and health challenges differ from that of other children. Hence, the need to pay special attention to them and provide health and social support tailored toward their needs. Aim: This study aimed to determine the pattern of cases that presented to the Adolescent and Social Pediatrics Unit (ASP) of the Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki (AEFUTHA) over a three-year period. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective study done to determine the pattern of cases seen at the Adolescent and Social Paediatrics Unit of the Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, between 2017 and 2019. Case files of all patients seen within the study period were retrieved, and all were included in the study. Relevant information such as age, gender, social class, diagnosis for both adolescent and nonadolescent age groups, treatment modalities, clinical subspecialties involved in management, and the outcome were retrieved. Data were entered and analysed using SPSS version 25, and results were presented as ratios, means, and proportions, whereas comparisons were made with the Chi‑square test or Fisher’s exact were applicable. P < 0.005 was considered statistically significant. Results: A total of 220 clients were seen over the given period. The adolescents were 148 (67.3%), whereas nonadolescents were 72 (32.7%). Among the adolescents, common diagnoses include sexual assault (24.3%), acne (8.1%), Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)/sexually transmitted infection (STI) (8.1%), HIV (8.1%), somatisation disorder (6.8%), suicide attempts (5.4%), oppositional deviant disorders (4.1%), and conduct disorder (2.7%). In nonadolescents, common diagnoses include sepsis (30.6%), Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) (30.6%), and malaria (11.1%). There was a significant difference between the adolescents and nonadolescents with respect to diagnosis (P < 0.001), treatment modalities (P < 0.001), type of care received (P < 0.001), and outcome (P = 0.002). Conclusion: The study has portrayed that the common medical conditions seen among adolescents include sexual assault, acne, HIV, PID/STI, and somatisation. This will be useful in developing health‑care services and program geared toward adolescent health.