Paediatric Mortality: Aetiologies and Predictors among Children Aged 1 Month to 15 Years in a Tertiary Hospital in Douala, Cameroon

Abstract

Background: Children and adolescent mortality remains a public health concern in developing countries. This study aimed to describe risk factors and aetiologies of mortality among children and young adolescents at a tertiary hospital in the town of Douala, Cameroon. Methods: We carried out a retrospective cohort study from January 1st to May 31st, 2019 among deceased patients aged 1 month to 15 years admitted to the paediatric ward of the Gynaeco-Obstetric and Paediatric Hospital. Data of interest were collected and analysed. Results: Out of 3088 children admitted, 123 death cases were recorded. The overall hospital mortality rate was 3.98%. Females accounted for 51% of the deceased patients. Fever was the main reason for consultation. Severe malaria was the most common diagnosis. In univariate logistic regression analysis, factors associated with mortality included hyperthermia (OR = 0.24; 95% CI 0.80 - 1.33; p = 0.012), coma/impaired consciousness (OR = 0.30; 95% CI 0.10 - 0.88; p = 0.029), pneumonia (OR = 3.95; 95% CI 1.42 - 10.97; p = 0.008), antipyretic therapy (OR = 0.28; 95% CI 0.11 - 0.73; p = 0.009), and no medication (OR = 4.50; 95% CI 1.05 - 9.29; p = 0.043). In multivariate regression analysis, coma/impaired consciousness was found to be the only factor associated with mortality (OR = 6.24; 95% CI 1.15 - 33.73; p = 0.034). Conclusion: The present study reveals that most of death cases were due to preventable causes, especially infectious diseases. Efficient reduction in children and adolescent mortality could be achieved by adequately addressing these causes.