Authors
Ewah-Odiase R. O. , Ikhayere E , Akpede G. O., Obasoyo S. E. , Alikah S. O., Omoike I. U.
Abstract
Background: In the absence of community-based information, hospital data can be a valuable tool for assessing the
epidemiology of diseases within populations. There is paucity of information on the morbidity pattern of children in
rural and suburban areas of Nigeria. Objective: To determine the morbidity pattern among Paediatric Outpatients in
a malaria endemic area. Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis of the records of the Paediatric Outpatient
seen at Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Irrua. Results: A total of 3,812 patients were assessed in 9,122 visits over
12 months period giving an average of 2.4 visits per child per year. Acute respiratory tract infection1,414 (37%) and
malaria 891(23.3 %)were the two commonest diagnoses. Conclusion: Infectious diseases constitute the most
common illness among Paediatric Outpatients in rural and suburban areas.
epidemiology of diseases within populations. There is paucity of information on the morbidity pattern of children in
rural and suburban areas of Nigeria. Objective: To determine the morbidity pattern among Paediatric Outpatients in
a malaria endemic area. Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis of the records of the Paediatric Outpatient
seen at Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Irrua. Results: A total of 3,812 patients were assessed in 9,122 visits over
12 months period giving an average of 2.4 visits per child per year. Acute respiratory tract infection1,414 (37%) and
malaria 891(23.3 %)were the two commonest diagnoses. Conclusion: Infectious diseases constitute the most
common illness among Paediatric Outpatients in rural and suburban areas.
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