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

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Health Informatics
• Medical Record Management

Background:

• Healthcare data in resource-limited countries often lacks uniformity, impacting data precision and decision-making.
• Cameroon faces challenges with standardized morbidity and mortality reporting due to the absence of national guidelines.
• This study addresses the need for improved data standardization in healthcare settings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the reporting style of morbidity and mortality data in Cameroonian healthcare settings.
• To evaluate the need for a standardized data collection tool.
• To identify gaps in data management and quality control.

Main Methods:

• An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted at Yaoundé Central Hospital.
• Questionnaires assessed the need for a standard reporting tool.
• Medical records were analyzed for morbidity and mortality data, compared against the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems-11 (ICD-11).

Main Results:

• A significant heterogeneity was found in reported morbidity (74.0%) and mortality (41.0%) causes.
• A majority of respondents (83.6%) emphasized the need for a standard data collection tool.
• Low percentages of healthcare providers demonstrated understanding of data flow (18.2%), data archiving (36.6%), and electronic quality control tools (40.0%).

Conclusions:

• High heterogeneity in morbidity and mortality data at Yaoundé Central Hospital necessitates urgent action.
• Implementation of the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems-11 (ICD-11) is recommended for systematic data recording and analysis.
• Standardization will enhance data interoperability, reusability, and support medical decision-making.