[Causes Of Death In The Medicine Department Of The Regional Hospital Of Sikasso].

The causes of death are of great importance in assessing the health status of the population and care'squality. Their study could guide health policies aimed at increasing life expectancy.

Objectives: It was to determine the causes of death; to study the socio-demographic characteristics of deceased.

Materials and methods: This was a retrospective and descriptive study of all deaths that occurred in the Medical Department of Sikasso Hospital from January 2018 to December 2020.

Results: Among 265 deaths recorded, the mean age was 45.12 ± 17.5 years. The sex ratio was 1.59. They were mostly city dwellers and 51.64% lived in Sikasso city. The mean length of hospitalization was 7.09 ± 6.38 days. Kidney failure was the first reason for hospitalization. HIV infection was the leading cause of death (29.8%), followed by renal failure (24.2%). The male sex was predominant in all causes of death except HIV infection and anemia. Deaths linked to kidney failure have increased fivefold from 2018 to 2020.

Conclusion: Deaths related to HIV/AIDS remain in the lead despite their strong reduction; those related to kidney failure have increased fivefold.