Pediatric Discharges Against Medical Advice: A Review of Cases in Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria

Background: Knowledge of the profile pediatric discharge against medical advice (DAMA) may help design interventions to reduce its prevalence. Objectives: This study aimed assess DAMA at Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH), Ado-Ekiti, State, Nigeria. Methods: retrospective cross-sectional descriptive included all cases from January 2012 December 2018. Relevant information was extracted patients’ case notes. Data analyzed using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 23. Results: The overall prevalence 3.8%. Of 233 with complete information, 127 (54.5%) were males. Severe malaria (27.3%) most common diagnosis among children emergency ward (CEW), while severe perinatal asphyxia (25.0%) and neonatal sepsis special care baby unit (SCBU). Only 1 (0.4%) patient enrolled in National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS). Moreover, 43 (18.5%) parents took due financial constraints, 55% patients had their form signed by fathers. In addition, who referred follow-up, 11 (4.7%) fully recovered, 2 (0.8%) recovered disability, readmitted, died. highest lowest rates months May December, respectively. Patients aged under five years old significantly infectious diseases compared older age groups (P