Mortality of children aged 1 month to 15 years hospitalized in the paediatric Unit of the Ebolowa Regional Hospital Center

Abstract

Introduction: Developing countries have the lowest survival rates. The aim of our study was to determine the morbidity and mortality of children aged 1 month to 15 years admitted to the paediatric unit of the Ebolowa Regional Hospital.

Material and method: This was a retrospective, descriptive study. It took place from January 1, 2022 to December 31, 2024. Records of children aged between 1 month and 15 years hospitalized and deceased in the department during the study period were included. The variables studied were sociodemographic, clinical and prognostic data.

Results: A total of 1109 children were admitted during the study period, among whom we recorded 38 deaths, representing a mortality of 3.4%. Girls accounted for 52.6% of deaths. Infectious conditions were the main reason for consultation (84.2%). The most frequent causes of death were malaria (31.6%) and meningitis (18.4%). The majority of deaths (52.6%) occurred within the first 24
hours of admission. On-call hours were the most frequent time of death (73.3%).

Conclusion: Mortality in pediatrics remained high in our context. Malaria and meningitis remain the main causes of death. Prevention and treatment strategies for the main infectious diseases need to be emphasized.