Pattern of non-communicable diseases among medical admissions in Port Harcourt, Nigeria.

Objective: To determine the pattern of non-communicable diseases in the medical wards of the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH), over four consecutive years (June 2000 to June 2004).

Methods: The study was retrospective and data were obtained from the medical registers in the medical wards and the records department of the UPTH. Medical admissions due to non-communicable diseases were carefully selected and analyzed.

Results: There were 1853 cases of various non-communicable diseases out of a total medical admission of 3294 constituting 56.2% of total medical admissions. Diseases of the cardiovascular, endocrine and renal systems were the most prevalent constituting 35.7%, 18.5% and 16.8% respectively. Hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and chronic renal failure were the most common cardiovascular, endocrine and renal disorders respectively

Conclusion: Non-communicable diseases are a major cause of morbidity in Port Harcourt. There is need for adequate health education and lifestyle modification to reduce the burden of non-communicable diseases in Nigeria.