title: An audit of malaria mortality using the "malaria death investigation form" at United Bulawayo Hospitals, Zimbabwe: 1996-2000.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To identify the main causes of confirmed malaria deaths and assess the validity and the relevance of use of the MDIF in determining areas for improvement of care.
  
  
  METHODS
  A cross sectional study.
  
  
  METHODS
  United Bulawayo Hospitals, a tertiary hospital in Zimbabwe.
  
  
  METHODS
  Patients whose cause of death was malaria using MIDF.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Of 470 confirmed cases admitted in UBH during the study period, 53 (11.2%) died and were included in the study. Most deaths occurred in the over 15 years age group (88.6%) with only 3 deaths each in the other groups. All patients were referred or admitted to UBH with complicated and severe malaria; 39(74 %) had more than one complication such as CM and acute renal failure (ARP). Most patients came from or had visited a rural area and did not implement basic prophylactic and therapeutic measures put in place by the NMCP such as early self-medication. Three pregnant women aborted. Guidelines regarding investigations and treatment were not strictly adhered to. Delay in seeking treatment and in referring was generally observed at all levels of the health system. Cases of malaria deaths were found in the city in people who had not travelled to rural area. The MDIF was used in one case only.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Malaria mortality accounted for 11 % of confirmed cases. Main causes of death were CM and ARP Parameters contained in the MDIF were those utilised by most authors who have investigated malaria mortality in Africa and there was a similarity in the observations. In view of the information it could provide if properly used, the MDIF is a valid tool for collecting data that the NMCP needs in order to rationalise its strategies at UBH and in other health facilities. Its use should be generalised and compulsory.
authors: Maun General Hospital, P.O Box 21 675, Maun, Botswana. tkmudiayi@hotmail.com
authors: T K
authors: TK
authors: Mudiayi
authors: M
authors: M
authors: Tshimanga
mesh_terms: D058186:Acute Kidney Injury / Q000469:parasitology; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000962:Antimalarials / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001927:Brain Diseases / Q000469:parasitology; D002423:Cause of Death; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D054869:Clinical Audit; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D019983:Guideline Adherence; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008288:Malaria / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000401:mortality*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D011996:Records; D062606:Tertiary Care Centers; D055815:Young Adult; D015030:Zimbabwe / Q000453:epidemiology
chemical_list: D000962:Antimalarials