Research Article
Cost and Its Determinants of Treating Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in the North West Region of Cameroon: Quantile Regression Analysis
Bereynuy Jude Cholong*
,
Njong Mom Aloysius
Issue:
Volume 10, Issue 1, March 2025
Pages:
1-12
Received:
18 December 2024
Accepted:
6 January 2025
Published:
22 January 2025
Abstract: Background: Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is, particularly, known to require continuous clinical care and management that consumes significant healthcare resources. As a result, most people living with type 2 Diabetes in Cameroon, are prone to suffer from financial hardship. This research seeks to estimate the direct cost and its determinants of treating T2DM in the Northwest of Cameroon. METHOD: A cost of illness using a cross-sectional research design study was conducted in 13 facilities in Cameroon’s Northwest region during a 4-month field survey. Data was obtained with the help of a semi-structured questionnaire administered by trained nurses. Summary statistics were computed to understand the socio-demographic characteristics of participants, and the various elements of treatment costs of type 2 diabetes. The direct cost of treating type 2 diabetes was computed by summing all the diabetes-attributable resource utilization costs incurred by the patient The determinants for treating T2DM were investigated using an ordinary least squares (OLS) regression and a quantile regression analysis. RESULTS: According to the findings, the average cost of treating type 2 diabetes among patients in the Northwest region of Cameroon, was 36,235 FCFA ($60) monthly or 424,000 FCFA ($720) yearly. The determinants were; the type of facility which was significant for the 10th and 25th quintiles, and age influence cost across the various models and quantiles, the study also revealed the effect of age on the cost increase from the lower to the higher quintile. The level of education influenced the direct cost and this was significant from the 50th quintile to the 90th quintile with higher levels of education leading to higher costs. Other factors included the household head, frequency of check-up visits to the facility, self-care management, and means of transportation. Gender and marital status influence cost but not across the quintiles. CONCLUSION: The studies revealed that T2DM places a significant cost burden on the patient and their household with determinants being the type of facility where care is sorted, age, level of education, and means of transport. Increased financial resources are required to provide T2DM patients with effective services in the Northwest region of Cameroon. A sincere call is sent to health decision-makers to give more importance to including diabetes care in the package of universal health coverage soonest.
Abstract: Background: Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is, particularly, known to require continuous clinical care and management that consumes significant healthcare resources. As a result, most people living with type 2 Diabetes in Cameroon, are prone to suffer from financial hardship. This research seeks to estimate the direct cost and its determinants of ...
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Research Article
The Contribution of a Voucher Scheme to the Antenatal Care Attendance in the Adamawa Region-Cameroon
Issue:
Volume 10, Issue 1, March 2025
Pages:
13-24
Received:
14 February 2025
Accepted:
26 February 2025
Published:
11 March 2025
DOI:
10.11648/j.hep.20251001.12
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Abstract: A voucher-based health financing mechanism (health vouchers) has been implemented in Cameroon since 2015, with the aim of reducing financial inequalities in the use of services. Despite being one of the first beneficiaries in the country, the Adamawa Region (Cameroon) experienced a decline in antenatal care (ANC) attendance, which decreased from 79.5% in 2014 to 70% in 2018. Therefore, the aim of this research was to analyze the contribution of the Health Voucher scheme (HV) to ANC attendance in Adamawa-Cameroon. A quasi-experimental study (with and without voucher) was conducted with participants selected from 10 health facilities in 5 districts of the Adamawa region. A mixed method (quantitative and qualitative) was used. The number of ANCs was less than 4 among 53.4% in the HV group compared to 49.1% in the non-HV group. The gestational age at first ANC was less than 12 weeks in 8.9% and 11.1% of the HV and non-HV groups respectively, with no significant difference between groups. The determinants of low ANC attendance (<4) was the presence of a male health worker at ANC services. While marital status (single), location of health facilities in semi-urban or rural areas and qualification of providers (state nurse or midwife) contributed to improvement. The determinants of late initiation of ANC were the number of living children between 5 and 9, and the location of health facilities in semi-urban or rural areas. The health voucher scheme did not make a positive contribution to ANC attendance, nor to early initiation of ANC in the Adamawa region. The non-financial barriers identified need to be addressed.
Abstract: A voucher-based health financing mechanism (health vouchers) has been implemented in Cameroon since 2015, with the aim of reducing financial inequalities in the use of services. Despite being one of the first beneficiaries in the country, the Adamawa Region (Cameroon) experienced a decline in antenatal care (ANC) attendance, which decreased from 79...
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Review Article
Myths and Facts on Tobacco Taxation: A Resource for More Effective Use of Taxation to Protect Health from the Harm of Tobacco Products in Oman
Salma Rashid Al-Kalbani*,
Paul Kavanagh
Issue:
Volume 10, Issue 1, March 2025
Pages:
25-29
Received:
24 February 2025
Accepted:
11 March 2025
Published:
26 March 2025
Abstract: Tobacco products cause over eight million deaths annually, accounting for 13% of global deaths. The World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control provides a framework to reduce tobacco product burden, including the MPOWER demand reduction measure. Tobacco taxation is a population-based intervention tool in public health that discourages tobacco consumption by increasing prices and reducing smoking rates. In 2023, Oman's customs duty on tobacco taxation increased to 100%, accounting for 66% to 69% of the overall retail price. However, this is still lower than the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control recommendation of having total taxes at least 75% of the total retail price. Additionally, duty-free areas may undermine the impact of tobacco taxation and create opportunities for illicit trade. The tobacco industry opposes tobacco tax regulations by strategies such as smuggling, legal challenges, anti-poor rhetoric, revenue reduction, and employment impact, which are usually accepted without debate from officials. This perspective review examined various myths about tobacco taxation and how to dispel them using the best available evidence.
Abstract: Tobacco products cause over eight million deaths annually, accounting for 13% of global deaths. The World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control provides a framework to reduce tobacco product burden, including the MPOWER demand reduction measure. Tobacco taxation is a population-based intervention tool in public health that dis...
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