Patterns Of Morbidity Requiring Admission Into The Children's Ward Of Abia State University Teaching Hospital Aba

To determine the pattern of morbidity in patients admitted into the paediatric wards of Abia State University Teaching Hospital Aba. The study showed that most of those admitted were less than five years of age but more than 1 year old 40.5%. This is followed by infants more than 1 month of age 24.8% and neonates contributing 12.6% of admission into the ward. The study also revealed a high incidence of malaria and its complications 39.7%. Acute respiratory infections contributed 12.7% of ailments leading to admission while neonate's disorders yielded 11.8%. Those admitted for Diarrhoeal disorders made up 89% while those for surgery were 7.2%. Patients admitted following Accidents and Trauma yielded 5.1%. A call is therefore being made for better health education campaign to reduce these preventable causes for admission. Families should be enlightened on ways to prevent home accidents by way of housing modification and supervision of very young children during play. This will prevent the rising trend of accidents as a cause of admission in our crowded cities. Journal of Medical Investigation and Practice Vol. 4: 2003: 23-2