Insurance and Actuarial Science Publications

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Insurance and Actuarial Science Publications

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    Perceptions of Healthcare Workers on the Attributes of the Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response System in Zimbabwe
    (Disaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness, 2024-05-07) Mteliso, F.; Adalier, A.; Malunguza, N.J.; Chiyaka, E.T.
    Objective: To investigate healthcare workers’ perceptions of the integrated disease surveillance and response (IDSR) strategy. Methods: A cross-sectional survey of healthcare workers (HCWs) was conducted from December 2021 to June 2022 to assess their perceptions of the IDSR system attributes. Results: Of the 409 respondents, 12 (2.9%) reported no prior training on disease surveillance. The IDSR was deemed simple, acceptable, useful, and timely by most participants. There were sharp differences in perceptions of flexibility and simplicity between doctors and the other healthcare professionals. However, acceptability, timeliness, and usefulness were uniformly perceived. Healthcare workers with at least 11 years of experience perceived the usefulness of the IDSR system significantly higher than those with lesser years of experience. However, work experience did not have an impact on HCWs perceptions of the simplicity, timeliness, and flexibility of the IDSR system. Conclusions: Most healthcare workers have positive perceptions of the IDSR approach. However, there are reservations about how well the system can adapt to changing conditions and demands (flexibility) and how well it simplifies the implementation processes. These findings demonstrate the necessity of adopting cutting-edge strategies for capacity building as well as ongoing professional development of healthcare professionals responsible for the implementation of the IDSR strategy.
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    Determinants of Crop Insurance Uptake by Tobacco Farmers in Zimbabwe
    (RSIS, 2024-07-05) Nyathi, L.D.; Tshuma, N.
    Agriculture serves as the cornerstone of Zimbabwe’s economy, supplying more than 60% of the raw materials needed by various industries. Additionally, it constitutes 40% of the country’s total exports, making it the primary contributor to export revenue. Notably, tobacco accounts for 50% of these exports, solidifying its position as the largest contributor within the agricultural sector. The remarkable growth in tobacco production can be attributed to small-scale producers who gained empowerment through the Fast Track Land Reform Program (FTLRP). Despite the prosperity and expansion observed in tobacco production, an inherent risk persists, particularly among new farmers. The absence of safety nets to cushion against adverse events poses a significant challenge in this critical sector. Consequently, this study aims to examine the factors influencing crop insurance adoption by tobacco farmers. We employed a concise and validated closed-ended questionnaire, collecting data from 121 farmers. Subsequently, we conducted an econometric analysis using a logistic model in STATA V 11 to explore the determinants of crop insurance uptake. The research findings indicate that several factors significantly influence the uptake of crop insurance among tobacco farmers. These factors include tobacco farming experience, level of education (measured in school years), frequency of extension officer visits, and the farmer’s income. Despite these influential factors, the adoption of tobacco insurance remains low, with a considerable number of tobacco farmers unaware of the insurance schemes offered by insurance companies. In summary, the study underscores the pivotal role of tobacco as a major contributor to foreign currency and employment in Zimbabwe. Recognizing the economic significance of tobacco exports, the paper recommends that Zimbabwean tobacco farmers embrace more formal risk management strategies, such as agricultural insurance, to safeguard and consolidate the gains they have achieved thus far.
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    Firm-Specific Determinants Variable of Insurers’ Insolvency in Zimbabwe
    (Acta Universitatis Danubius, 2024) Aluko, T.O.; Makumbe, K.C.
    Insurance companies safeguard the resources necessary for various other economic sectors to enhance economic growth and foster favourable investment opportunities. This study examines the determinants of insolvency for non-life insurers in Zimbabwe. This was achieved by examining the impact of firm-specific variables on solvency. A panel of secondary data from 2017 to 2022 selects seventeen non-life insurance businesses from Zimbabwe. Insurance and Pension Commission (IPEC) reports provide the financial statements for these non-life insurance companies. The research examines two explanatory factors: investment performance and return on assets (profitability). The Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) regression model guides the investigation into the relationship between these factors and solvency. This study employs the solvency ratio as a proxy for solvency. The study’s results indicate that a firm’s size and claims ratio have a positive impact on the investment performance and profitability of non-life insurers experiencing insolvency. To manage investment portfolios properly, the paper recommends short-term insurers hire qualified and experienced investment analysts. To encourage insurance companies to honour claims and maintain their financial stability even when losses increase, the regulator must publish a risk-based capital structure and prioritise the implementation of policies and regulations that support sound financial management practices among non-life insurance companies.
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    HIV status and contraceptive use in Zimbabwe among sexually active adolescent girls and women: Secondary analysis of Zimbabwe Demographic Health survey data
    (SAMJ Research, 2024-06) Musuka, G.; Murewanhema, G.; Mukandavire, Z.; Chingombe, I.; Cuadros, D.; Mutenherwa, F.; Dzinamarira, T.; Eghtessadi, R.; Malunguza, N.; Mapingure, M.
    BACKGROUND. Understanding the pattern of contraceptive use among women living with HIV is critical for formulating relevant public health interventions to improve the uptake and use of reliable methods in this population. This helps to reduce the incidence of unintended pregnancies. OBJECTIVE. In this secondary data analysis, we aimed to describe contraceptive use by HIV-positive and HIV-negative sexually active adolescent girls and women, using data from the Zimbabwe Demographic and Health Survey (2015-16). METHOD. We used statistical analysis to determine the association between the use of various methods of contraception and HIV status using the Zimbabwe Demographic and Health Survey, 2015-16 data. RESULTS. Overall, the contraceptive use prevalence in this study was 60%. Sexually active adolescent girls and women on the Pill and injections were less likely to be HIV-positive compared with those not using any method of contraception (odds ratio (OR)= 0.54, 95% confidence interval (CI)(0.45-0.64), p= 0.001; and OR= 0.75, 95% CI (0.59-0.96), p= 0.020, respectively). Those using either a male or female condom were more likely to be HIV-positive, OR= 3.36, 95% CI (2.63-4.28), p= 0.001. CONCLUSIONS. This study revealed that there is still a considerable unmet need for contraception among the study population, highlighting the need to devise strategies to increase contraception uptake among women. Statistically significant differences were noted in the use of condoms, with those who are HIV-positive having a higher use of condoms compared with those who are HIV-negative. This may reflect that HIV-positive individuals have received appropriate counselling messages on the need to use barrier methods.
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    Perceptions of Healthcare Workers on the Attributes of the Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response System in Zimbabwe
    (2024) Mteliso, F.; Adalier, A.; Malunguza, N.J.; Chiyaka, E.T.
    Objective: To investigate healthcare workers' perceptions of the integrated disease surveillance and response (IDSR) strategy. Methods: A cross-sectional survey of healthcare workers (HCWs) was conducted from December 2021 to June 2022 to assess their perceptions of the IDSR system attributes. Results: Of the 409 respondents, 12 (2.9%) reported no prior training on disease surveillance. The IDSR was deemed simple, acceptable, useful, and timely by most participants. There were sharp differences in perceptions of flexibility and simplicity between doctors and the other healthcare professionals. However, acceptability, timeliness, and usefulness were uniformly perceived. Healthcare workers with at least 11-years’ experience perceived the usefulness of the IDSR system significantly higher than those with lesser years of experience. However, work experience did not have an impact on HCWs perceptions of the simplicity, timeliness, and flexibility of the IDSR system. Conclusions: Most healthcare workers have positive perceptions of the IDSR approach. However, there are reservations about how well the system can adapt to changing conditions and demands (flexibility) and how well it simplifies the implementation processes. These findings demonstrate the necessity of adopting cutting-edge strategies for capacity building as well as ongoing professional development of healthcare professionals responsible for the implementation of the IDSR strategy.