Pattern Of Childhood Mortality In Sandakan Hospital, East Malaysia

Abstract

We studied mortality pattern of children admitted in pediatric medical unit of our hospital to have a baseline assessment of quality of care and to recognize our priority problems. Causes of death and their nature based on preventability were determined. Impact of gender, age, nationality and home-to-hospital distance on death was analyzed. Fatality was higher in non-Malaysians, especially females, and toddlers (p<0.05). Children residing on islands, or more than 7 miles (11.2 kilometers) from hospital had higher fatality rates. Children older than 5 years who died were more often likely to stay far, arrive to hospital late and had higher percentage of severe malnutrition. All deaths in non-Malaysians and older children were of preventable type. Health of younger children should be focused on. Nutritional education should be provided to parents/caretakers of children, and primary health care services should be strengthened especially in the interiors and on islands.