The regional effect of the difference between EU and African countries in the relationship between neonatal deaths and health expenditures

Abstract

Objective: In this observational longitudinal study, it was aimed to examine the effect of regional differences on the relationship between health expenditures and neonatal mortality through the EU and Africa. Methods: Mortality rate, neonatal (per 1,000 live births), Current health expenditure per capita (current US$) and Current health expenditure (% of GDP) parameters for EU, Central African Republic, Middle East & North Africa; South Africa and Sub-Sahran Africa were used for research data set. Data were gathered from World Bank Country Reports for 2000 to 2018. Generalized Linear Model (GLM) analysis was used for multivariate analysis. Results: Neonatal mortality per 1.000 live births was significantly higher in the EU. HEPC_USD and HEPC_GDP means were the highest in African countries (p<0.05). Post Hoc test results showed that differences between African countries were also significant (p<0.05). Correlation analysis results showed that neonatal mortality rate was significantly correlated with HEPC_USD, HEPC_GDP, Country, Year and EU/African parameters (p<0.05). Generalized Linear Model (GLM) for neonatal mortality analysis results showed that only HEPC_GDP had significant effect on neonatal mortality per 1,000 live births (p<0.05). Being a member of EU or African region or year parameters did not have a significant effect on neonatal mortality per 1,000 live birth (p>0.05). Conclusion: Regional differences between Africa and the EU are not sufficient to explain neonatal deaths. Therefore, it is necessary to focus on the value and fair distribution of health expenditures rather than the delivery of health services in reducing neonatal deaths.