The Pattern of Respiratory Diseases among Children Admitted in the Children Emergency Ward, University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Rivers State, Nigeria

Aim: Respiratory diseases are common causes of childhood morbidity and mortality worldwide. Variations in the pattern of respiratory diseases exist globally, due to environmental conditions, poverty, hygiene and so on. This study sought to determine the pattern of respiratory diseases among children admitted into the emergency ward of the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital.

Study Design: Retrospective cross-sectional study.

Setting and Duration of Study: Children Emergency Ward of the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, between January 2019 and January 2021.

Methodology: This was a retrospective cross-sectional study. Data were collected from case notes of 3,851 children, aged two months to 18 years, admitted to the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, over three years.

Results: Respiratory diseases accounted for 500 (13%) of the total admissions, and was more common among males than females (M: F = 1.3:1). The mean age of children with respiratory illnesses was 2.27±4.6 years. Infectious causes {443 (88.6%)} were significantly higher than non-infectious causes {57 (11.4%)}, p<0.001. Bronchopneumonia, bronchial asthma and bronchiolitis were the commonest morbidities seen, accounting for 394 (78.8%), 34 (6.8%) and 22 (4.4%) of cases respectively.

Conclusion: The prevalence of respiratory diseases is high. Infectious causes are still prevalent with cases presenting more during the dry season. Measures to reduce environmental pollution and enhance immunization can greatly reduce respiratory diseases among children.