Calculating Health Indicators

Estimated time: 25 minutes

In Module 1, we introduced health indicators. Now we will practise calculating them in Excel.

An indicator measures something relevant to a health service or programme. Examples include the percentage of facilities submitting reports, the percentage of eligible people receiving a specified service, the number of deliveries recorded during a month, and the proportion of reports submitted on time.

Every indicator needs a clear definition.

2.6.1 Calculating a percentage

Suppose a fictional programme has 100 eligible participants, and 80 received the specified service. The percentage is 80 ÷ 100 × 100 = 80%.

In Excel, if B2 contains 80 and C2 contains 100, enter =B2/C2 and format the result as a percentage. Excel displays 80%.

2.6.2 Reporting completeness

Suppose 18 of 20 expected facility reports were received. Reporting completeness is 18 ÷ 20 × 100 = 90%. This means that 90% of the expected reports were received. It does not necessarily mean the reports were accurate or submitted on time.

Completeness, accuracy and timeliness are different concepts.

2.6.3 Reporting timeliness

Suppose 15 of 20 expected reports were submitted by the specified deadline. Timeliness is 15 ÷ 20 × 100 = 75%. The programme achieved 75% reporting timeliness for the defined reporting period. The deadline and the rules for counting expected reports must be documented.

2.6.4 Understanding denominators

A denominator is the number below the fraction line. It represents the population, group, events or opportunities against which the numerator is compared.

For example, if 80 out of 100 eligible participants received a service, the denominator is 100 eligible participants. If the denominator is incorrect, the resulting percentage may be misleading.

In real health reporting, denominators may come from population estimates, facility registers, programme eligibility lists or other sources. Their suitability depends on the indicator.

Practical exercise

A fictional health programme expected 40 facility reports. It received 36.