An Assessment of Factors influencing Hospital Discharges Against Medical Advice of Paediatric Patients in Enugu: A Review of 67 Cases

摘要: A study was carried out with the aim of determining prevalence discharges against medical advice (DAMA) at University Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu as well identifying reasons for such requests. Data in respect 67 patients who fulfilled criteria DAMA were analysed. rate 1.8 per cent obtained 4443 admissions over period. Poor financial support commonest reason discharge advice. Septicaemia cause admission accounting 17 (25.4 cent) followed by HIV/pulmonary tuberculosis 15 (22.4 cases. Fifty-three (79.1 children admitted without a formal referral letter and 51 (76.2 discharged within two weeks while 45 (67.2 belonged to lower social classes. It is concluded that parental low class, poor unpreparedness hospital are risk factors DAMA. case made implementation National Health Insurance Scheme review methods counseling parents ask their or wards. This important since not directly involved parents'/guardians' decision seek discharges. Nigerian Journal Paediatrics, 2002; 29:1-4.