The Pattern and Trend of Non-communicable Diseases in Children in Jos, North Central Nigeria: A Four-year Review

Aims: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are becoming significant causes of morbidity and mortality. However very little information is available in our setting on the trend of NCDs in children. The aim is to determine the pattern and trend of NCDs in children in Jos, Nigeria.

Study Design: This is a retrospective study of patients that were admitted and managed for NCDs. The relevant clinical information was extracted from the hospital records.

Place and Duration of Study: The Emergency Paediatrics Unit (EPU) of the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH), Jos Nigeria, between January 2012 and December 2015.

Methodology: The study was a retrospective descriptive study where all records of children admitted into the EPU of JUTH within the period under review were retrieved. The bio-data of all patients and diagnoses made during the course of admission were documented. Those with inconclusive diagnoses and neonates were excluded. Data collected were entered into Epi Info version 7.2. The data was presented in frequencies and percentages and categorical variables were analyzed with the chi-square test. P value < 0.05 was regarded as statistically significant.

Results: A total of 2273 children’s records were reviewed of which 36.7% had NCDs with the NCDs prevalence ranging from 29.5% - 40.5%. The three commonest NCDs were sickle cell disease (SCD), seizure disorder and severe protein energy malnutrition (PEM). There was a steady increase in the prevalence of seizures and PEM over the period. The prevalence of the diseases fluctuated over the years under review.

Conclusion: The burden of diseases in children appears to be shifting towards non-communicable diseases as shown in the rising trend of NCD in our study. Therefore, there is an urgent need for relevant stakeholders to develop and ensure implementation of policies to curtail this menace which is also increasing the morbidity and mortality of children especially those less than five years of age.