Increased Mortality in Children with Neurological Impairments in Rural Kenya

Abstract

This study aims at comparing the risk of death in children with impairment of the nervous system with children without impairment, and to identify risk factors and causes of death. Children aged 6-9 years were diagnosed for impairment of the nervous system in a survey conducted in 2001. All children from the survey were observed until death or end of the follow-up study. Statistical analyses estimated the death rates, risk factors and causes of death. The death rates in children with impairment were 6 times higher than in children without impairment. Age and sex differences did not influence the risk of death in children with impairment of the nervous system. Among children with impairment, the risk of death was increased by developmental delay and reduced by better nutritional status. Infections such as HIV/AIDS common among all children who died. The risk of death was significantly higher in children with impairment of the nervous system. While developmental delay was associated with increased the risk of death in affected children, better nutritional status was associated with a reduced risk.