Risk factors for mortality in an African pediatric emergency department: case of Sourô Sanou Hospital, a prospective, cross-sectional study

Makoura Barro; Cheick Ahmed Ouattara; Bintou Sanogo; Abdel Aziz Baby; Ad Bafa Ibrahim Ouattara; Fatimata Sahoura Nacro; Isidore Tiandiogo Traoré; Angèle Kalmogho; Alain Saga Ouermi; Réné Souanguimpari Ouoba; Klangboro Raymond Cessouma; Boubacar Nacro

doi:10.1093/tropej/fmad044

Risk factors for mortality in an African pediatric emergency department: case of Sourô Sanou Hospital, a prospective, cross-sectional study

J Trop Pediatr. 2023 Dec 6;70(1):fmad044. doi: 10.1093/tropej/fmad044.

Affiliations

¹ Department of Pediatrics, Sourô Sanou University Hospital, 01 BP 676 Bobo-Dioulasso 01, Burkina Faso.
² Department of Public Health, Sourô Sanou University Hospital, 01 BP 676 Bobo-Dioulasso 01, Burkina Faso.
³ Emergency Reception, Service for Adults and Paediatrics, Niono Reference Health Center, Niono 45036, Mali.
⁴ Department of Infectious Diseases, MURAZ Center, 01 BP 390 Bobo-Dioulasso 01, Burkina Faso.
⁵ Pediatric Department, Yalgado Ouédraogo University Hospital, 03 BP 7022 Ouagadougou 03, Burkina Faso.
⁶ Pediatric Department, Ouahigouya Regional Hospital, Secteur 01 Ouahigouya, Burkina Faso.

PMID: 38099863
DOI: 10.1093/tropej/fmad044

Abstract

Background: Childhood mortality rates remain high in sub-Saharan Africa. This study aimed to assess the causes and associated factors of pediatric emergency mortality at the Sourô Sanou University Hospital of Bobo-Dioulasso.

Methodology: This was a cross-sectional study with prospective collection from June to August 2020. We documented and analyzed demographic and clinical characteristics by means or proportions. Logistic regression was performed to identify the factors associated with childhood mortality.

Results: From 618 pediatric patients admitted to pediatric emergency unit, 80 (12.9%) were documented as death outcomes. The mean age was 34.10 ± 36.38 months. The male sex represented 51.25%. The main diagnoses were severe malaria (61.25%), acute gastroenteritis (11.25%) and pneumonia (10%); 48.75% of the patients were malnourished and only 55% were fully immunized. The average length of hospitalization was 2.73 ± 3.03 days. Mortality was a strongly significant association with late come to the emergency unit (AOR = 1.11, CI = 1.04-1.18), young maternal age (AOR = 0.95, CI = 0.92-0.99) and incomplete vaccination (AOR = 1.94, CI = 1.13-3.31).

Conclusion: The in-hospital mortality rate was 12.94%; younger maternal age, delay in consultation, unimmunized or incompletely immunized status and shorter hospital stays were significantly associated with death.

Keywords: emergency; mortality; pediatric.

Plain language summary

Infant mortality rates remain high in sub-Saharan Africa jeopardizing the achievement of targets for the sustainable development goals. In this article, we identify the causes and factors associated with infant mortality at the Sourô Sanou University Hospital Pediatric Emergency Room in Bobo-Dioulasso. During the study period, the main diagnoses were severe malaria, acute gastroenteritis and pneumonia. Mortality was strongly associated with late arrival at the emergency room, young maternal age and incomplete vaccination. The in-hospital mortality rate was 12.94%, and younger maternal age, delay in consultation, unimmunized or incompletely immunized status and shorter hospital stays were significantly associated with death.

MeSH terms

Child
Child, Preschool
Cross-Sectional Studies
Emergency Service, Hospital*
Hospitals, University
Humans
Male
Prospective Studies
Risk Factors