Mortality and morbidity patterns in Yaoundé, Cameroon: An ICD-11 classification-based analysis

Abstract

Abstract Background In Cameroon, data generated by health settings including morbidity and mortality parameters are not always uniform. In the absence of a national guideline necessary for the standardization and harmonization of data, precision of data required for effective decision-making is therefore not guaranteed. Methods The objective of the present investigation was to assess the reporting style of morbidity and mortality data in healthcare settings. A cross sectional study was carried out from May to June 2022 Yaoundé Central Hospital. A questionnaire was used to assess the need to set up a standard tool to improve the reporting system. Medical records were used to collect mortality and morbidity data which were then compared to the International Classification of Disease-11 (ICD-11) codification. Data were analysed using IBM-SPSS versions 26. Results Out of 200 patients’ morbidity causes recorded, more than two third were heterogeneous (74%). Almost half of mortality cause reported were heterogeneous (41%). Most of respondents stated the need to set up a standard tool for collecting mortality and morbidity data (82%). Although most of participants reported having sufficient knowledge to establish death certificates (83.6%), only a few proportions declared using medical certificated to establish cause of death (34.5%). Less than half of health staff were able to understand data flow (18%), correctly archive data (37%) and use electronic tool for data quality control (40%). Conclusion There was a high inadequacy between the hospital reporting style. It is therefore urgent that Cameroon national health authorities implement the ICD-11 in the data management system.