Pattern of Childhood Mortality at Benghazi Children Hospital

Children mortality is a major public health concern, particularly in developing countries. It is one of the most important indicators of development and a factor in determining life expectancy. It can also inform health services policy makers about matters to prioritize. This study aimed to identify the pattern and causes of childhood mortality in a tertiary public hospital (Benghazi Children Hospital) over a 3- year period. Retrospective study was undertaken at the Benghazi Children Hospital over a three-year period (January 2018-December 2020). Data was gathered from the medical records of infant and children (aged 1 month to 16 years) of age that died in the Benghazi Children Hospital. Demographic details and the main causes of deaths were reviewed.The result of this study indicated that, atotal of 691 mortalities were recorded during the study period, giving a mortality rate of 1.4%. Males constituted 353 (51.1%) and females constituted 338 (48.9%). The mortality rate was the highest in the age group of less than 1 year (58.7%).Infectious diseases (21.7%), nervous system disorders (19.8%) and disease of the respiratory system (19.4%) were the most common intrinsic causes of deaths. Extrinsic causes were responsible for smaller number of deaths (1.2%).Pneumonia was the leading immediate cause of deaths in hospitalized children among all ages.