RETROSPECTIVE STUDY OF RECORDS ON EPIDERMIOLOGICAL TRANSITION IN THE TAMALE TEACHING HOSPITAL

Abstract

Retrospective analyses of records of patients were done at the Tamale Teaching Hospital (TTH) from 2010 to 2014 to study the diseases trends and its causes in Northern Ghana and to determine the causes of the epidemiological transition. Morbidity and mortality from infective and non-infectious diseases were both at higher levels. Analysis of data from the GSS revealed that there has been an accelerated urbanization from 1970 to 2014. This unplanned urbanization coupled with lack of health education has led to unbalanced epidemiological transition in Northern Ghana, which is the double disease burden (communicable and non-communicable diseases). The solution to this public health problem lies in primary health; eradication of poverty, compulsory health education and control of population density; to reduce the risk factors, we need to work towards achieving the millennium development goals (MDGs).