Incidence and Associated Factors of Sudden Death in Kebbi State, Nigeria

Sudden death (SD), defined by the World Health Organization as a natural, non-violent death occurring within 24 hours of an abrupt change in clinical status, remains a critical public health issue, particularly in low-resource settings. This study assesses the incidence and associated factors of SD in Kebbi State, Nigeria, where data on the condition is scarce. A retrospective review of 3,624 medical records from 2018–2020 and interviews with 100 health personnel were conducted. Results indicated an SD incidence of 20.1%, with a peak in the 41–60 age group and a male-to-female ratio of 1.79:1. Cardiovascular diseases (44.4%) were the leading cause, followed by respiratory-related disorders (13.8%) and infectious diseases (11.12%). Hypertension was the most common risk factor, contributing to 47% of cases, while other significant factors included pulmonary embolism, asthma, and diabetes mellitus. Health personnel displayed inadequate knowledge regarding SD-related activities, underscoring the need for targeted training. Findings suggest that SD is prevalent in Kebbi State, with non-communicable diseases (NCDs) playing a prominent role in its etiology. Strengthening health system capacity and increasing NCD prevention efforts, especially for hypertension, are essential to reducing the SD burden in Kebbi State.