Retrospective Analysis of Mortality in a Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital in South India

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Mortality data reveals much about the health of the population. Traditionally and universally, most epidemiological studies begin with mortality data. Mortality characteristics and the audit give a myriad of information. This helps to identify trends of mortality. Mortality audit of mortality data is essential to improve hospital services and helps in proper allocation of resources. Hence this study was conducted to identify the mortality characteristics of the patients admitted in the year 2021 in the Tertiary care hospital in South India. Material(s) and Method(s) This retrospective study was conducted after Institutional ethical clearance with mortality records pertaining to the patients admitted to Hangal Sri Kumareshwar Hospital and Medical Research Center, Bagalkot, Karnataka during the year 2021. The data retrieved included demographic characteristics like age and sex, place of residence, ward of admission and causes of death classified according to ICD 10th revision and analysed using percentages and chi-square test and a p value of less than 0.05 was considered as significant in all the tests. Result(s) Out of 592 deaths in 2021, 64.19% were males and 35.81% were females. Majority of the deaths (34.46%) occurred between the ages of 41 to 60 years followed by 61 to 80 years (27.20%). Communicable diseases contributed to 54.56% of the total deaths (p= 0.0022). Conclusion(s) Statistical analysis of causes of death from mortality statistics is the backbone of National health policy and planning of health programs. It monitors the trend in public health issues like infant mortality, maternal mortality, infectious diseases, accidents and suicides. Copyright © 2023, Institute of Medico-legal Publication. All rights reserved.