Using GIS as a tool for community health profiling: Identifying priority areas for recruitment of human resources for health in Senegal

Background: In 2005, Senegal had an estimated maternal mortality ratio of 980 deaths per 100,000 live births, well above the global average of 400. The distribution and concentration of health workers has been shown to be associated with improved health outcomes, including maternal mortality. To explore this relationship, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is used to examine the regional distribution of human resources for health and related maternal health indicators in Senegal.

Purpose: Geography plays a significant role in health care and health access. Applying GIS as a tool for community health profiling, especially in underserved areas like Senegal, provides an additional option for presenting health data. Moreover, this technique offers an innovative approach to examining the relationship between place and health.

Methodology: Unmet need of human resources for health as well as relevant maternal health indicators are mapped at the regional level using GIS to examine geographic variation. Using these data, an index is created to identify priority areas for midwife service expansion that is also mapped at a regional level.

Results: Large disparities exist between regions – the distribution of health personnel and maternal health indicators varies greatly, with the greatest inequity occurring in the eastern regions. Physician and nurse shortage is a major concern outside of the region of Dakar, and midwife shortages exist throughout the entire country.

Conclusion: An imbalance in the distribution of health personnel exists in Senegal that may contribute to the disproportionate burden of disease experienced in many rural and semi-urban areas. This research contributes to the GIS health-related literature in showing that GIS can be an effective tool for community health profiling. Specifically, this technique can be used to examine spatial disparity, allowing policy makers, public health officials and community development projects to assess resources and need based on geographic distribution.