Ethiopian Journal of Health Development

Domestic General Government Health Expenditure (DGGHE) per capita on Maternal Mortality Rate Reduction; Financial Budgetary Projections in Sub-Sahara Africa

Robert Azu Nnachi — 2025-01-09

Background: The high maternal mortality rate (MMR) in many Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) countries reflects inadequate health budgets, especially the annual domestic general government health expenditure (DGGHE). The yearly DGGHE does not ensure access to high- quality healthcare services and development in SSA.

Objectives: The objective of this study is to determine the impact of domestic general government health expenditure (DGGHE) per capita on the maternal mortality rate (MMR) and also to project the expected DGGHE per capita, along with the annual financial implications necessary to reduce the Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR) by 2044, benchmarked against the average statistics from Seychelles for the year 2020-2022.

Method: This study is a quantitative analysis based on World Bank data covering 22 years of DGGHE per capita, maternal mortality rate per 100,000 live births for 48 sub-Saharan African countries accessible via:- https://databank.worldbank.org/ source/world-development-indicators. We used Seychelles’ outstanding performance as a benchmark for the other SSA countries, with a cumulative DGGHE per capital of 9,685.55 from 2000 to 2022 and a cumulative MMR of 310 per 2,200,000 live births over the same of 22 years period. . The analysis of the effect of DGGHE per capita on MMR was conducted using a regression model.

Results: DGGHE per capita has a significant impact on maternal mortality rate in sub-Sahara Africa.

Conclusion: Through a focused governance system, SSA countries are encouraged to yearly increase their DGGHE per capita in line with the budget projections of the study for 2044, aimed at reducing the high MMR. [Ethiop. J. Health Dev. 2024; 38(4): 00-00]

Assessing Parental Awareness of Childhood Cancer in the Pediatric Oncology Unit at Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital, Ethiopia: A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study

Leul Deribe — 2025-01-09

Background: Awareness of childhood cancer among parents improves childcare, facilitating early diagnosis and adherence to treatment. However, many parents often lack adequate awareness about cancer, including its definition, causes, treatment methods, and side effects. This study assesses childhood cancer awareness among parents visiting the pediatric oncology unit of Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital (TASH) in Ethiopia.

Method: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from June to December 2022 involving 386 parents of children with cancer. Parents were selected consecutively and interviewed using interviewer-administered structured questionnaires. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 26. Descriptive statistics, including numerical values and proportions, were used to present the data in tables and graphs. Chi-square tests were employed to assess variations in parental awareness based on demographic variables.

Result: Only 57 parents (15%) had heard of childhood cancer before their child’s diagnosis. The primary sources of information included TV (39; 67.2%), radio (35; 60.3%), and neighbors/relatives (21; 36.2%). Cancer was defined as a fatal, worrisome, and uncomfortable illness by 55.2%, 69.4%, and 62.2% of parents, respectively. The majority (328; 85.3%) of parents was unaware of its causes. and approximately 41.7% were not aware of possible side effects of cancer treatment. Nearly all (98.2%) parents reported that they believe cancer is curable with treatment. The most common reactions among parents upon first hearing their child’s diagnosis were shock (330; 85.5%) followed by fear (194; 50.3%). Awareness of the causes of childhood cancer, treatment side effects and prior knowledge of cancer before their child’s diagnosis were associated with factors such as place of residence, educational level, and household income.

Conclusion: Parents’ awareness of childhood cancer, its treatment side effects, and its causes was found to be low. Most parents perceive cancer as a fatal, fearful, uncomfortable, and painful condition. The study recommends increasing media awareness about childhood cancer and implementing structured education and counseling programs for parents regarding its causes, treatment options, side effects, and prognosis. [Ethiop. J. Health Dev. 2024; 38(4): 00-00]

Monitoring the Demographic, Epidemiological, SocioCultural and Economic Impacts of Non-Communicable Diseases, Reproductive, Maternal, New-Born Child and Adolescent Health, and COVID-19: A Community-Based Urban Cohort in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (COMBAT)

Adamu Addissie — 2025-01-09

Background: The dynamics of demographics and health of urban populations, such as in Addis Ababa, are continuously influenced by a range of biological, social, and environmental factors. Non-communicable diseases (NCDs), reproductive, maternal, newborn child, and adolescent health (RMNCAH), and emerging infections like coronavirus disease (COVID-19) are major health challenges for urban residents. Updated and comprehensive evidence is crucial for policymakers and practitioners to make evidence-based decisions and to build a resilient health system for these complex issues and their effects on an urban Ethiopian population. However, there is limited contemporary evidence about these changing demographics and medical conditions. Therefore, we aimed to assess the demographic, epidemiological, socio-cultural, and economic impacts of non-communicable diseases; reproductive, maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent health, and COVID-19 over three years. Accordingly, we established COMBAT the first community-based urban cohort with multidisciplinary experts. Through epidemiologic and socioeconomic lenses, this first community-based urban cohort, involving an interdisciplinary team, will help in longitudinally monitoring for NCDs, RMNCAH, and COVID-19. It will also produce important policy options and community-based public health evidence in Addis Ababa. Additionally, it will serve as a foundation for other researchers, including PhD and MSc students, who are interested in assessing and tracking potential future issues about public health.

Methods: The study is being conducted in Addis Ababa from January 2023 to January 2025, with the possibility of continuation based on funding availability, employing an explanatory sequential mixed study design. The quantitative prospective cohort (open cohort where new subjects meeting the selection criteria will be included at any time) will be conducted at the household (HH) level, with 4020 households randomly chosen from Addis Ababa's lowest administrative unit (Ketena) to serve as the cohort's foundation. Subsequent home visits will occur at six-month intervals to re-interview the households' economic situation, chronic non-communicable diseases, RMNCAH indicators, and any COVID-19 or new health issues that have emerged since the previous visit, and anthropometric and biophysical measurements (weight, height, hip and waist circumference, blood glucose, and blood pressure monitoring). Additionally, in-depth and key informant interviews with purposefully chosen household heads and other stakeholders will be undertaken to examine the socio- cultural determinants and economic implications of NCDs, RMNCAH, and COVID-19.

Healthcare Policy and Development: The Effect of International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) on the Financial Development of Federal University Teaching Hospitals

Robert Azu Nnachi — 2025-01-09

Background: Globally, healthcare development faces numerous challenges; emerging economies, particularly those in Africa, appear to be worse off as a result of institutional regulatory weaknesses, infrastructural inadequacies, and system failures. These issues contribute to financial fraud, lack of efficient financial control, and weak financial reporting systems.

Objectives: The objective of the study is to determine the impact of International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) on the financial development of the federal university teaching hospitals in Nigeria.

Method: The study adopted a descriptive research design. A sample size of 70 was used, and linear regression was employed to model and predict the relationship between the dependent variable and the independent variables.

Results: The results of the analysis indicate that International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) have a significant positive impact on fraud prevention, with an impact of 51.8%. Additionally, the results show that IPSAS significantly positively affects financial control, with an effect of 48.2%. Finally, the analysis reveals that IPSAS has a significant positive impact on the quality of financial reporting, with an effect of 31.1%.

Conclusion: The study concludes that appropriate authorities should make a concerted effort to strengthen the adoption of IPSAS in Nigerian federal university teaching hospitals through regular reviews and staff training. Governments at all levels should ensure IPSAS is fully domesticated and properly implemented in all areas of healthcare management.