| dc.description.abstract | The main objective of this study was to examine
the trend of seasonal and regional variations in
patterns of all causes of deaths combined in Kenya.
If the variations existed the next step was to
investigate the correlation between deaths and some
environmental factors that have brought about these
variations. The thesis also aimed at studying regional
mortality differentials by age, sex and causes of death.
It was established from the study that distinct
regional and seasonal variations in the patterns of all
causes of deaths combined exist in Kenya. Death toll
at its peak between June and August at the national
level, for the period 1975-1979. At provincial level,
Nyanza and Central Provinces have their peaks between
the months of July and August; while for Eastern,
Western, North-Eastern, Coast, Rift-Valley provinces,
and Nairobi, this was between April and June; May
and August; February and June; February and July;
January and August; and, May and August; respectively.
Death toll 1S at minimum during the months of
December, January and February at the national level.
However, at the provincial level, we have generally,
January,
December.
February, September, October, November and
This differed from one province to the other.
The study revealed that environmental factors
were responsible for both regional and seasonal variations
in patterns of death. There was positive
multiple correlation (R) between the four environmental
factors analysed and deaths. The correlations (R) in
Kakamega, Kiambu and Mombasa were :- Rainfall 0.35621,011050
and 0.34317;" Relative Humidity:- 0.38950, 0.15925,' and
0.11276; Temperature:- 0.56996, 0.33951 and 0.10477;
and Morbidity:- 0.87033, 0.32969, and 0.46645;
respectively.
Variations of deaths by age were found to exist.
From the 1975 registration, over 35% were infants;
17.9% were deaths between ages 1 and 14 years; 20.7%
ages 15 to 64; and 26.0% ages 65 and above. Also
male deaths were found to be more than females(at
every age group.
The three leading groups of diseases being
causes of death are:- Infective and Parasitic diseases;
Diseases of Respiratory System; and Circulatory
diseases. These diseases seem to be common in all
regions. The only difference is the prevalence. One
may be more common than others in a particular
region.
Further work needs to be done on the statistical
analysis of these diseases. For example, further
breakdown of the class or code will help us to find
the prevalent diseases in specific regions. | en |
