Pattern of central nervous system related diseases and deaths: a 10-year study in a Ghanaian tertiary care facility

Abstract

• The majority of deaths occurred in individuals <40 years (35.5%), followed closely by those aged 40–60 years (34.2%). • A steady rise in deaths associated with central nervous system related diseases (CNSDs) was observed, from 18 cases in 2010 to 66 cases in 2019. • Females accounted for more deaths associated with CNSDs (51.8%) than males (48.2%). • Cerebrovascular accident (CVA) was the leading cause of deaths resulting from CNSDs, responsible for 93.5% of CNSDs deaths. • Most CVA deaths occurred in individuals above 60 years (72.9%), followed by 40–60 years (26.4%). Neurological disorders can have a significant impact on mortality rates. Despite the prevalence of central nervous system related diseases (CNSDs) in Ghana, limited information exists regarding their contribution to death. This study sought to characterize death patterns of patients with CNSDs in a Ghanaian tertiary hospital. A cross-sectional study was conducted utilizing archival mortality data from 2010 to 2019, retrieved from the mortuary logbook of the Cape Coast Teaching Hospital. Variables such as age, sex, and cause of death were expressed as proportions. Line graphs were used to visualize temporal trends in death cases, while bar graphs were used to illustrate the distribution of various conditions constituting CNSDs. Binary logistic regression was applied to identify associations between demographic factors and cerebrovascular accident (CVA) associated deaths. A total of 9,356 deaths were recorded between 2010 and 2019 of which CNSDs contributed 454 (4.9%). The majority of deaths resulting from CNSDs were contributed by cerebrovascular accidents (CVAs) 93% (424/454). Within the study area, more females (51.4%) died from CVAs than males (49.6%). Logistic regression analysis further revealed that individuals aged above 60 years had the highest odds of dying from CVAs (OR 48.2, CI 10.9-212.7, p < 0.001) followed by persons aged 40-60 years (OR=40.4, CI 8.1-200.7, p < 0.001) compared to those below 40 years old. Cerebrovascular accident was the leading cause of death resulting from CNSDs in this study, particularly among individuals aged 40 and above. To address this burden, regular screenings and public education is recommended.