DURATION OF HOSPITAL STAY AND ADMISSION OUTCOME OF NON COMMUNICABLE DISEASE ADMISSION IN THE MEDICAL WARDS OF UNIVERSITY OF PORT HARCOURT TEACHING HOSPITAL, NIGERIA.

*Dr. Alikor C. A. and Dr. Nwafor C. E.

ABSTRACT

Background: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are becoming the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide with greatest impact on the poor countries of Africa of which Nigeria is central. Mortality from NCDs is projected to occur largest in Africa by 2020. Factors such as sex, age, diagnosis, co-morbidities, social-economic factors and duration of hospital stay have been show to affect mortality among hospitalised patients. The importance of morbidity and mortality data as it influences policy making and public health status of a nation cannot be overemphasised. This study aims to determine the duration of hospital stay, outcome and mortality of NCD admissions in the medical wards of the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH). Methods: A four year retrospective review of admissions of NCDs into the medical wards between January 2013 and December 2016 was carried out. Admission, discharge/death registers of patients were used. Results: 694 patients with age range 17to 105 years were studied. 61.3% of subjects were ≥50 years with 52.7% been females and 47.3% males. A quarter (25.8%) was on admission for < 7 days;36.3% for< 2 weeks; <10% of subjects stayed >one month. 120 subjects (17.6%) died while 76.5% and 5.3% were discharged and signed against medical advice respectively. 58% of deaths occurred within the first week of admission and >80% occurred< two weeks (0.001). Death highest among females than males (0.04). Increasing frequency of death with increasing age (<0.001). Cardiovascular disorders accounted for 50.9% of deaths. Conclusion: This study showed that duration of hospital stay is related with admission outcome with most deaths occurring early on admission. Public health enlightenment, improved manpower and healthcare facilities are key to reducing deaths on the medical wards.

Keywords: Hospital stay, admission outcome, mortality, Non-communicable disease.