Pattern of children death in Sfax, Tunisia: A 14-year autopsy study

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Published Nov 9, 2025
https://doi.org/10.62438/tunismed.v103i9.5764
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Vol. 103 No. 9 (2025): Tunis Med sept 2025

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Wiem Ben Amar
Department of Forensic Medicine, Habib Bourguiba University Hospital, Sfax. Faculty of Medicine, University of Sfax, Sfax, 3027, Tunisia
Mariem Grayaa
Department of Forensic Medicine, Habib Bourguiba University Hospital, Sfax. Faculty of Medicine, University of Sfax, Sfax, 3027, Tunisia
Fatma Daoud
Department of Forensic Medicine, Habib Bourguiba University Hospital, Sfax. Faculty of Medicine, University of Sfax, Sfax, 3027, Tunisia
Hanen Dhouib
Department of Forensic Medicine, Habib Bourguiba University Hospital, Sfax. Faculty of Medicine, University of Sfax, Sfax, 3027, Tunisia
Karim Derbel
Faculty of Medicine, University of Sfax, Sfax, 3027, Tunisia
Ahmed Chakroun
School Medical Center, Sfax, 3027, Faculty of Medicine, University of Sfax, Sfax, 3027, Tunisia
Samir Maatoug
Department of Forensic Medicine, Habib Bourguiba University Hospital, Sfax. Faculty of Medicine, University of Sfax, Sfax, 3027, Tunisia
Zouhir Hammami
Department of Forensic Medicine, Habib Bourguiba University Hospital, Sfax. Faculty of Medicine, University of Sfax, Sfax, 3027, Tunisia
Malek Zribi
Department of Forensic Medicine, Habib Bourguiba University Hospital, Sfax. Faculty of Medicine, University of Sfax, Sfax, 3027, Tunisia

Abstract

Introduction and aim: Child mortality is a critical indicator of public health. Identifying the causes and circumstances of death among children is the first step in preventing this tragedy. The purpose of this study was to investigate and analyse the epidemiological, social, and forensic characteristics of children deaths in Tunisia over a 14-year period and identify the leading causes of death.


Methods: We conducted a transversal descriptive study in the Department of Forensic Medicine at Habib Bourguiba University Hospital of Sfax over 14 years (January 1 st, 2008-December 31st, 2021) including all forensic autopsies carried out on children.


Results: A total of 436 cases were examined with a male predominance (Sex ratio:1.5) and a mean age of 8 ± 6 years. Accidents were the most prevalent manner of death (70%) followed by natural deaths (16%), suicides (7%) and homicides (2%). A significant association between sex, age group and the manner of death (natural/violent deaths) was observed (p<0.001). The majority of accidents were due to road traffic accidents (48%), followed by drowning (20%). For suicidal deaths, hanging was the most common method (65%) followed by self-immolation (16%) and, finally, ingesting pesticides (13%). The most frequent method of homicide was sharp force.


Conclusion: This study provides valuable data regarding child mortality patterns in Tunisia, which can help to implement adequate preventive measures.

Keywords:

child, mortality, cause of death, autopsy, Tunisia

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