Authors :
Renate Ngoma Bongo; Joseph Bodi Mabiala; Jerome BADHOKA Kano
Volume/Issue :
Volume 8 - 2023, Issue 3 - March
Google Scholar :
https://bit.ly/3TmGbDi
Scribd :
https://bit.ly/3Uah8Um
DOI :
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.7800598
Abstract :
Mortality is very high in pediatric
wards in many low-income countries. About 30% of
children die in hospital and the majority within 24
hours.
Objective: To determine the frequency and factors
associated with early deaths of children under 60
months admitted to pediatric emergency units in the
city of Kinshasa.
Methodology: Cross-sectional study with an analytical
aim which took place in 5 hospitals in Kinshasa
researching the early mortality of children aged 1-59
months admitted in vital distress during the study
period (August-October 2021). The parameters of
interest were collected by interview and observation.
Descriptive and analytical statistics were performed.
Results: of the 210 patients included in the study, 123
were female (58.6%) with a sex ratio of 1.4. There
were 31 deaths or 14.8%, respiratory distress was the
main reason for admission . Infants were the most
concerned and most came from families with a low
socio-economic level. The majority of deaths occurred
between 24-48 hours and while on call. No factors
were associated with the deaths of these children.
Conclusion: Small infants are the most vulnerable to
death. Unfortunately, they die more of respiratory
pathologies. Delay in care or late transfer worsens the
prognosis of children in life-threatening emergencies.
The low socio-economic status of the parents exposes
them to a fatal outcome.
Keywords :
Early Deaths, Pediatric Emergencies.
Mortality is very high in pediatric
wards in many low-income countries. About 30% of
children die in hospital and the majority within 24
hours.
Objective: To determine the frequency and factors
associated with early deaths of children under 60
months admitted to pediatric emergency units in the
city of Kinshasa.
Methodology: Cross-sectional study with an analytical
aim which took place in 5 hospitals in Kinshasa
researching the early mortality of children aged 1-59
months admitted in vital distress during the study
period (August-October 2021). The parameters of
interest were collected by interview and observation.
Descriptive and analytical statistics were performed.
Results: of the 210 patients included in the study, 123
were female (58.6%) with a sex ratio of 1.4. There
were 31 deaths or 14.8%, respiratory distress was the
main reason for admission . Infants were the most
concerned and most came from families with a low
socio-economic level. The majority of deaths occurred
between 24-48 hours and while on call. No factors
were associated with the deaths of these children.
Conclusion: Small infants are the most vulnerable to
death. Unfortunately, they die more of respiratory
pathologies. Delay in care or late transfer worsens the
prognosis of children in life-threatening emergencies.
The low socio-economic status of the parents exposes
them to a fatal outcome.
Keywords :
Early Deaths, Pediatric Emergencies.
