Abstract

Titilola Adegoke

Infectious diseases are an important cause of morbidity and mortality in Sub-Saharan Africa. However, there is a changing pattern in terms of medical admissions worldwide with an alarming increase in the prevalence of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) especially in the tropics over the last decade. A regular review and audit of medical admissions is necessary for health policy formulation and resource allocation. The aim of this study was to describe the pattern of medical admission in a Nigerian University Teaching Hospital and highlight the emerging trend. A retrospective review of medical admission at the LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Osogbo, South Western Nigeria over a 3 year period (January 2005 to December 2007). 1786 patients were admitted into the medical wards during the period of study. This consisted of 1089 males (61.0%) and 697 females (39.0%) with age range 14-96 years, mean of 51years (±16.89) and a male to female ratio of 1.5:1. Elderly subjects (≥ 60 years of age) were the largest age group accounting for 27.3% and 29.8% of male and female admissions respectively. The indications for admission in order of frequency were cerebrovascular disease 239 (27.5%), Diabetes mellitus 194 (22.2%), Chronic Kidney Disease 116 (12.4%) and Tuberculosis 151 (16.6%). NCDs accounted for a significant number of admissions in this study. The elderly constitued the major age group. Non communicable diseases are the commonest indication for medical admission. There is therefore an urgent need for intensification of existing preventive strategies to combat the insurgence of NCDs.