Patterns and predictors of mortality in the first 24 hours of admission among children aged 1–59 months admitted at a Regional Referral Hospital in South Western Uganda

2025

Predictors of Mortality in Children Admitted to a Hospital in Uganda

Sample size: 208 publication 20 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Ochora Moses, Kyoyagala Stella, Kyasimire Lydia, Akambasisa Mercy, Twine Margaret, Ahmed Muna, Lutasingwa Dan, Nampijja Dorah, Kumbakumba Elias

Primary Institution: Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda

Hypothesis

What are the patterns and predictors of mortality within the first 24 hours of admission among children aged 1–59 months?

Conclusion

The study found a high mortality rate of 7.7% within the first 24 hours of admission, primarily due to severe pneumonia and malnutrition.

Supporting Evidence

Most deaths occurred within the first 24 hours of admission.
Severe pneumonia and severe acute malnutrition were the leading causes of death.
Children admitted at night had a higher risk of mortality.
An abnormal neutrophil count was associated with increased mortality risk.
More than two-thirds of children died within 12 hours of admission.

Takeaway

This study looked at why some children die soon after being admitted to the hospital, finding that many deaths happen quickly and are often due to treatable problems.