Abstract
Background. Sudden death refers to the unexpected and abrupt loss of life, often due to cardiac causes, occurring within a short time after symptom onset. In Africa, sudden death often leads to upheaval and suspicions within families and communities. Conducting thorough research on the causes and prevention of sudden death is crucial to alleviating these concerns and improving public understanding and trust.
Objective. To establish the demographics, circumstances and causes of sudden death in the geographic area served by the mortuary used to collect data.
Methods. Records of sudden death cases from 1 January 2010 to 31 December 2011 were meticulously reviewed.
Results. Preliminary findings indicated that 66% of sudden death cases were male, with the 40 - 49 years age group being the most affected. Most deaths took place between 06:00 and 11:59 in the morning. Acute symptoms commonly preceded these fatalities, which predominately occurred in private residences. The primary causes of sudden death varied, with respiratory incidents being predominant, followed by cardiovascular causes. Additionally, 95% of the cases resulted from acquired diseases, while 3% were associated with genetic factors.
Discussion. The epidemiology of sudden death provides insight into its prevalence, patterns and associated risk factors, offering an opportunity to design and implement standard operating procedures for improved quality of professional service, preventative health measures and public health strategies in countries like SA, where comprehensive epidemiological statistics are lacking.
Conclusion. The epidemiology of sudden deaths in the region is intricately linked to various clinical and socio-demographic factors. Understanding these parameters provides critical insights for public health planning and intervention strategies. Further research to explore appropriate public health prevention and intervention measures is recommended.
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