Abstract

Background: Patterns of hospital admissions are shifting globally with non-communicable diseases (NCDs) emerging as major causes of illness and death in Nigeria. This study examined the spectrum, trends, and outcomes of adult medical admissions at Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta over three years.
Methods: A retrospective descriptive study was conducted at the Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta, south western Nigeria, reviewing admissions from January 2022 to December 2024. Data were extracted from the hospital’s electronic medical records, including demographics, diagnoses, length of stay, and discharge outcomes. Data analysis was performed with SPSS version 27, with continuous variables summarized as means and standard deviations and categorical variables as frequencies and percentages.
Results: A total of 1,754 patients were admitted, mostly males (51.0%) with a mean age of 50.2 years. The 50–59 year group was most common, and kidney diseases led admissions (34.8%), followed by cerebrovascular accidents and diabetes complications. Nephrology had the highest specialty load. Mean hospital stay was 8.4 days, with most admitted for one to nine days. Discharge rate was 68.9%, mortality 14.3%, and 13.9% left against medical advice.
Conclusion: This review shows a high burden of chronic kidney disease and kidney related ailments other NCDs among adult admissions in Abeokuta, mainly in middle aged and older adults. Mortality was high, especially in nephrology cases, highlighting the need for better prevention, early detection, and management.

Key words: Medical admissions, hospital outcomes, chronic kidney disease, trends in hospitalization