Pattern and Outcome of Diseases in Medical Patients Admitted to Asella Hospital, South-East Ethiopia

Abstract

Background: Recording pattern of admissions in hospitals is important to estimate the most prevalent diseases in order to implement appropriate preventive strategies that can help in the control of diseases in a cost effective way.  This study aimed to describe the patterns and outcome of diseases in patients admitted to Asella hospital in South-East Ethiopia.

Methods: A retrospective, cross-sectional study was conducted on all medical admissions from September 11, 2003 to September 10, 2009 in Asella hospital. Relevant information concerning patient’s bio-data and diagnoses for all admissions to the medical ward of the hospital were obtained from the main register of the ward.

Results: There were 5,541 admissions over the study period of which 2,807 (50.7%) were males and 2,734 (49.3%) females. The ages of the patients ranged between 13 to 100 years with a mean of 38 years. The mean length of stay was 14.4 days. The bed occupancy was 62.5%. The main indications for admissions were infectious diseases (37.8%), cardiovascular disorders (17.5%), and respiratory disorders (11.1%). Pulmonary tuberculosis was the commonest disease and accounted for 14.4% of total medical admissions. One hundred sixty six (3%) patients discharged themselves against the medical advice and 1,299 (23.4%) patients died during the hospital stay. Most of deaths (61.4%) occurred during the first week of admission. The most common causes of death were infectious diseases (36.6%) and circulatory diseases (18.6%).

Conclusions: Strengthening of preventive strategies for both communicable and non-communicable diseases is recommended. In addition, reducing hospital deaths and unnecessary referrals by recruiting skilled healthcare personnel and provision of necessary diagnostic aids and facilities are of utmost importance.