Research Papers
Leading causes of childhood mortality in selected communities in northern Nigeria
Authors:
Stella I. Smith ,
Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Yaba, Lagos State, NG
About Stella I.
Emergency Preparedness and Response Research Group
Jacob I. Yisau,
Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Yaba, Lagos State, NG
About Jacob I.
Emergency Preparedness and Response Research Group
Nkiru A. David,
Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Yaba, Lagos State, NG
About Nkiru A.
Emergency Preparedness and Response Research Group
Muhammed A. N. Adeboye,
University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin, Kwara state, NG
About Muhammed A. N.
Department of Paediatrics and Child Health
Stephen Oguche,
Jos University Teaching Hospital, Jos, Plateau state, NG
About Stephen
Department of Paediatrics
Moses Bamidele,
Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Yaba, Lagos State, NG
About Moses
Emergency Preparedness and Response Research Group
Adeniyi Adeneye,
Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Yaba, Lagos State, NG
About Adeniyi
Emergency Preparedness and Response Research Group
Abimbola M. Adedeji,
Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Yaba, Lagos State, NG
About Abimbola M.
Emergency Preparedness and Response Research Group
Zaidat A. Musa,
Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Yaba, Lagos State, NG
About Zaidat A.
Emergency Preparedness and Response Research Group
Mustapha Bello,
University of Maiduguri, Borno state, NG
About Mustapha
Department of Paediatrics
Nma Jiya,
Usman dan Fodio University, Sokoto state, NG
About Nma
Department of Paediatrics
Ajoke O. Adagbada,
Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Yaba, Lagos State, NG
About Ajoke O.
Emergency Preparedness and Response Research Group
Francisca Nwaokorie,
Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Yaba, Lagos State, NG
About Francisca
Emergency Preparedness and Response Research Group
Olanrewaju T. Adedoyin,
University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin, Kwara state, NG
About Olanrewaju T.
Department of Paediatrics and Child Health
Adebiyi O. Olowu
Olabisi Onabanjo Teaching Hospital, Sagamu, Ogun state, NG
About Adebiyi O.
Department of Paediatrics
Abstract
Background: As part of the bid to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for children, the Sustainable Development Goals were adopted by the United Nations in 2015. Reports show that economically and socially deprived neighbourhoods have an increased risk of under-five mortality.
Objectives: To describe the causes of childhood deaths in selected communities in Nigeria.
Methods: Four states namely, Borno, Kwara, Plateau, and Sokoto states representing three geopolitical zones of Nigeria were included in the study. Two local governments were randomly selected in each state. A descriptive cross-sectional study design was employed to carry out this survey. Pre-coded questionnaires were used to collect data from care givers.
Results: The three leading causes of death among under-fives in the Borno State was diarrhoea, measles and sudden death, in the Kwara State was asphyxia, diarrhoea, cough; in Sokoto it was diarrhoea, cough and asphyxia, and in the Plateau State it was diarrhoea, acute respiratory illness and malaria.
Conclusions: Diarrhoea was consistently the leading cause of death, followed by pneumonia and asphyxia, which are largely preventable. Surprisingly, with the exception of the Plateau State, malaria was not listed amongst the three leading causes of death in the communities under study.
How to Cite:
Smith, S.I. et al., (2018). Leading causes of childhood mortality in selected communities in northern Nigeria. Sri Lanka Journal of Medicine. 27(1), pp.11–19. DOI: http://doi.org/10.4038/sljm.v27i1.73
Published on 30 Jun 2018.
Peer Reviewed
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