RESUMEN
To assess changes in mortality in Abidjan since the development of the AIDS epidemic, we compared official city mortality statistics and hospital fatality rates in 1983, before AIDS was recognized in Abidjan, with those in 1988. Review of records in the city's major hospitals showed that fatality rates (deaths per 1000 admissions) in adult medical patients increased by 54% between 1983 and 1988, with increases of 106 and 98% in men 20-29 and 30-39 years of age, respectively, and 199 and 42% in women of the same age ranges. Mortality rates in surgical patients showed little change, while in children they declined. Over the same period, official mortality statistics for the city showed reduced mortality rates in children and women 20-29 years of age, but an increase in mortality rates of 54% in men 20 years of age and older, and of 28% in women aged 30 years and older. HIV infection may be a major cause of the increased adult mortality documented in hospital and city records, and jeopardizes improved survival from preventive measures such as maternal and child health services.
Asunto(s)
Mortalidad/tendencias , Síndrome de Inmunodeficiencia Adquirida/mortalidad , Adolescente , Adulto , Anciano , Tasa de Natalidad/tendencias , Niño , Preescolar , Côte d'Ivoire/epidemiología , Femenino , Registros de Hospitales , Hospitales Universitarios , Hospitales Urbanos , Humanos , Lactante , Recién Nacido , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Admisión del Paciente , Tasa de SupervivenciaRESUMEN
In 1988 to 1989, 698 adult cadavers in Abidjan's two largest morgues were studied, representing 38 to 43% of all adult deaths in the city over the study period, and 6 to 7% of annual deaths. Forty-one percent of male and 32% of female cadavers were infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Fifteen percent of adult male and 13% of adult female annual deaths are due to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). In Abidjan, AIDS is the leading cause of death and years of potential life lost in adult men, followed by unintentional injuries and tuberculosis. In women, AIDS is the second leading cause of death and premature mortality, after deaths related to pregnancy and abortion. AIDS-specific and AIDS-proportional mortality rates may be higher in other African cities where AIDS has been found for a longer time than in Abidjan.