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Terefa DR, Tesfaye E, Tolessa BE, Desisa AE, Olani W, Fetensa G, Chego M, Abdisa E, Turi E, Bekuma TT, Getachew M, Tesfaye L, Tilahun T. Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the cost of chronic diseases treatment and care at public hospitals in Wallaga zones, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia: a hospital-based, cross-sectional study. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e070195. [PMID: 37931966 PMCID: PMC10632867 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-070195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Globally, around one-third of the population has at least one long-term health condition that could be affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the fact that studies have revealed the direct impact of COVID-19 on healthcare provision and utilisation, the impact of the pandemic on the cost of chronic disease treatment and care from a patient perspective was scanty. So, the study aimed to determine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on cost of chronic diseases treatment and care at public hospitals in Wallaga zones, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia, from 1 August to 31 August 2020. METHODS An institutional-based cross-sectional study design was used, and the sample size for the study (n=642) was determined using a single population mean formula. Data were collected using interviews and analysed using SPSS V.25. Descriptive statistics were performed, and the cost of follow-up care before and after the pandemic was compared using a related-samples Wilcoxon signed-rank test, declaring the level of significance of the median cost difference at p<0.05. RESULTS A total of 642 patients were included in the study, of whom 605 (94.2%) responded to the interviews. There was a significant median cost difference (n=593, Z=5.05, p=0.001) between the cost of chronic diseases among follow-up patients during the pandemic and the costs incurred by these patients before the pandemic. CONCLUSION The cost of follow-up care among chronic disease patients during the COVID-19 pandemic was significantly higher compared with before the pandemic era. Therefore, healthcare providers should arrange special fee waiver mechanisms for chronic disease healthcare costs during such types of pandemics and provide the services at proximal health facilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dufera Rikitu Terefa
- Department of Public Health, Institute of Health Sciences, Wallaga University, Nekemte, Ethiopia
| | - Edosa Tesfaye
- Department of Public Health, Institute of Health Sciences, Wallaga University, Nekemte, Ethiopia
| | - Belachew Etana Tolessa
- Department of Public Health, Institute of Health Sciences, Wallaga University, Nekemte, Ethiopia
| | - Adisu Ewunetu Desisa
- Department of Public Health, Institute of Health Sciences, Wallaga University, Nekemte, Ethiopia
| | - Wolkite Olani
- Department of Public Health, Institute of Health Sciences, Wallaga University, Nekemte, Ethiopia
| | - Getahun Fetensa
- Schools of Nursing and Midwifery, Institute of Health Sciences, Wallaga University, Nekemte, Ethiopia
| | - Melese Chego
- Department of Public Health, Institute of Health Sciences, Wallaga University, Nekemte, Ethiopia
| | - Eba Abdisa
- Schools of Nursing and Midwifery, Institute of Health Sciences, Wallaga University, Nekemte, Ethiopia
| | - Ebisa Turi
- Department of Public Health, Institute of Health Sciences, Wallaga University, Nekemte, Ethiopia
| | - Tariku Tesfaye Bekuma
- Department of Public Health, Institute of Health Sciences, Wallaga University, Nekemte, Ethiopia
| | - Motuma Getachew
- Department of Public Health, Institute of Health Sciences, Wallaga University, Nekemte, Ethiopia
| | - Lensa Tesfaye
- Department of Public Health, Institute of Health Sciences, Wallaga University, Nekemte, Ethiopia
| | - Temesgen Tilahun
- School of Medicine, Institute of Health Sciences, Wallaga University, Nekemte, Ethiopia
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Alemayehu M, Addis B, Hagos T. Out-of-pocket health expenditure and associated factors among patients with hypertension in Debre-Tabor Comphrensive Specialized Hospital, South Gondar zone, Northwest Ethiopia, 2020. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1014364. [PMID: 37213642 PMCID: PMC10192881 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1014364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Hypertension is a non-communicable chronic disease that has a wide financial effect at the individual and household levels especially in developing countries due to its complexity and chronicity. Nevertheless, there are limited studies in Ethiopia. Therefore the aim of this study was to assess out-of pocket health expenditure and associated factors among adult patients with hypertension in Debre-Tabor Comphrensive Specialized Hospital. Methods A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted in total of 357 adult hypertensive patients from March to April 2020 using a systematic random sampling technique. Descriptive stastics were used to estimate the magnitude of out-of-pocket health expenditure, while after checking the assumptions linear regression model was fitted for identifying the factors associated with the outcome variable at a significance level of value of p < 0.05 and 95% confidence interval. Result A total of 346 study participants interviewed with a response rate of 96.92%. Annual mean out of pocket health expenditure of the participant was $113.40 ± $10.18 with 95% CI = (102.63, 124.16) per patient. The direct medical mean out of pocket health expenditure of the participant was $68.86 per patient per year and the median of non-medical components of the out of pocket health expenditure of the participant was $3.53. Sex, wealth status, distance from hospital, comorbidity, health insurance and number of visit are factors significantly associated to out-of-pocket expenditure. Conclusion This study revealed that out of pocket health expenditure among adult patients with hypertension was found high compared to the national per capita health expenditure. Sex, wealth index, distance away from hospital, frequency of visit, comorbidities, and health insurance coverage were factors significantly associated with high out-of-pocket health expenditure. Ministry of health together with regional health bureaus and other concerned stakeholders work on strengthening early detection and prevention strategies of chronic comorbidities of hypertensive patients,promote health insurance coverage and better to subsidize medication costs for the poors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Banchlay Addis
- Department of Health Systems and Policy, College of Medicine and Health Science, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
- *Correspondence: Banchlay Addis,
| | - Tsega Hagos
- Department of Health Systems and Policy, College of Medicine and Health Science, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
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Gnugesser E, Chwila C, Brenner S, Deckert A, Dambach P, Steinert JI, Bärnighausen T, Horstick O, Antia K, Louis VR. The economic burden of treating uncomplicated hypertension in Sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic literature review. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:1507. [PMID: 35941626 PMCID: PMC9358363 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-13877-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Objectives Hypertension is one of the leading cardiovascular risk factors with high numbers of undiagnosed and untreated patients in Sub Saharan Africa (SSA). The health systems and affected people are often overwhelmed by the social and economic burden that comes with the disease. However, the research on the economic burden and consequences of hypertension treatment remains scare in SSA. The objective of our review was to compare different hypertension treatment costs across the continent and identify major cost drivers. Material and Methods Systematic literature searches were conducted in multiple databases (e.g., PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar) for peer reviewed articles written in English language with a publication date from inception to Jan. 2022. We included studies assessing direct and indirect costs of hypertension therapy in SSA from a provider or user perspective. The search and a quality assessment were independently executed by two researchers. All results were converted to 2021 US Dollar. Results Of 3999 results identified in the initial search, 33 were selected for data extraction. Costs differed between countries, costing perspectives and cost categories. Only 25% of the SSA countries were mentioned in the studies, with Nigeria dominating the research with a share of 27% of the studies. We identified 15 results each from a user or provider perspective. Medication costs were accountable for the most part of the expenditures with a range from 1.70$ to 97.06$ from a patient perspective and 0.09$ to 193.55$ from a provider perspective per patient per month. Major cost drivers were multidrug treatment, inpatient or hospital care and having a comorbidity like diabetes. Conclusion Hypertension poses a significant economic burden for patients and governments in SSA. Interpreting and comparing the results from different countries and studies is difficult as there are different financing methods and cost items are defined in different ways. However, our results identify medication costs as one of the biggest cost contributors. When fighting the economic burden in SSA, reducing medication costs in form of subsidies or special interventions needs to be considered. Trial registration Registration: PROSPERO, ID CRD42020220957. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12889-022-13877-4.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Gnugesser
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Heidelberg University Medical School, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - C Chwila
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Heidelberg University Medical School, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - S Brenner
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Heidelberg University Medical School, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - A Deckert
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Heidelberg University Medical School, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - P Dambach
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Heidelberg University Medical School, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - J I Steinert
- TUM School of Social Sciences and Technology, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - T Bärnighausen
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Heidelberg University Medical School, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - O Horstick
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Heidelberg University Medical School, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - K Antia
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Heidelberg University Medical School, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - V R Louis
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Heidelberg University Medical School, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany.
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The Impact of Multimorbidities on Catastrophic Health Expenditures among Patients Suffering from Hypertension in China: An Analysis of Nationwide Representative Data. SUSTAINABILITY 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/su14137555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/07/2022]
Abstract
Background: Patients with hypertension are sensitive to multimorbidities (i.e., the existence of ≥2 chronic diseases), and the related treatment can create enormous economic burdens. We sought to examine the distribution of multimorbidities, the prevalence and factors of catastrophic health expenditure (CHE), the impact of multimorbidities on CHE, and the variation in this relationship across age groups, work status, and combinations of socioeconomic status and health insurance types. Methods: Socioeconomic-related inequality associated with CHE was estimated by concentration curve and concentration index. We examined the determinants of CHE and the impact of age groups, work status, and combinations of socioeconomic groups and health insurance schemes against the relationship with multimorbidities and CHE using logistic regression. Results: 5693 (83.3%) participants had multimorbidities. In total, 49.8% of families had experienced CHE, and the concentration index was −0.026 (95% confidence interval [CI], −0.032 to −0.020). Multimorbidities were related to the increased odds of CHE (odds ratio [OR], 1.21; 95% CI, 1.18–1.25). The relationship between multimorbidities and CHE persisted across age groups, work status, and combinations of socioeconomic status and health insurance schemes. Conclusions: More than 80% of patients with hypertension had multimorbidities. The protection of health insurance schemes against financial risks is very limited.
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Sorato MM, Davari M, Kebriaeezadeh A, Sarrafzadegan N, Shibru T. Societal economic burden of hypertension at selected hospitals in southern Ethiopia: a patient-level analysis. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e056627. [PMID: 35387822 PMCID: PMC8987749 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-056627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES There is inadequate information on the economic burden of hypertension treatment in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine the societal economic burden of hypertension at selected hospitals in Southern Ethiopia. METHODS Prevalence-based cost of illness study from a societal perspective was conducted. Disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) were determined by the current WHO's recommended DALY valuation method. Adjustment for comorbidity and a 3% discount was done for DALYs. The data entry, processing and analysis were done by using SPSS V.21.0 and Microsoft Excel V.2013. RESULTS We followed a cohort of 406 adult patients with hypertension retrospectively for 10 years from September 2010 to 2020. Two hundred and fifty (61.6%) of patients were women with a mean age of 55.87±11.03 years. Less than 1 in five 75 (18.5%) of patients achieved their blood pressure control target. A total of US$64 837.48 direct cost was incurred due to hypertension. A total of 11 585 years and 579.57 years were lost due to hypertension-related premature mortality and morbidity, respectively. Treated and uncontrolled hypertension accounted for 50.83% (6027) of total years lost due to premature mortality from treated hypertension cohort. Total productivity loss due to premature mortality and morbidity was US$449 394.69. The overall economic burden of hypertension was US$514 232.16 (US$105.55 per person per month). CONCLUSION Societal economic burden of hypertension in Southern Ethiopia was substantial. Indirect costs accounted for more than 8 out of 10 dollars. Treated and uncontrolled hypertension took the lion's share of economic cost and productivity loss due to premature mortality and morbidity. Therefore, designing and implanting strategies for the prevention of hypertension, early screening and detection, and improving the rate of blood pressure control by involving all relevant stakeholders at all levels is critical to saving scarce health resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mende Mensa Sorato
- Department of Pharmacy, Arba Minch University, Arba Minch, Ethiopia
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacoeconomics and Pharmaceutical Administration, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran (the Islamic Republic of)
| | - Majid Davari
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacoeconomics and Pharmaceutical Administration, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran (the Islamic Republic of)
| | - Abbas Kebriaeezadeh
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacoeconomics and Pharmaceutical Administration, Tehran University of Medical Sciences School of Pharmacy, Tehran, Iran (the Islamic Republic of)
| | - Nizal Sarrafzadegan
- Isfahan Cardiovascular Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran (the Islamic Republic of)
- School of Population and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Tamiru Shibru
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Arba Minch University, Arba Minch, Ethiopia
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Borde MT, Kabthymer RH, Shaka MF, Abate SM. The burden of household out-of-pocket healthcare expenditures in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Int J Equity Health 2022; 21:14. [PMID: 35101038 PMCID: PMC8802489 DOI: 10.1186/s12939-021-01610-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Ethiopia, household Out-Of-Pocket healthcare expenditure accounts for one-third of total healthcare expenditure, is one of the highest in the world, and still creates barriers and difficulties for households to healthcare access and may delay or forgo needed healthcare use. Despite the presence of a few highly dispersed and inconsistent studies, no comprehensive study was conducted. Therefore, in this systematic review and meta-analysis, we aimed at estimating the pooled estimates of the burden of household Out-Of-Pocket healthcare expenditures among Ethiopian households and identifying its determinants. METHODS We systematically searched articles from PubMed / Medline and Google scholar databases and direct Google search engine without restriction on publication period. Cross-sectional and cohort articles and grey literature published in English were included. Data were extracted using Microsoft Excel. Two reviewers screened the titles, reviewed the articles for inclusion, extracted the data, and conducted a quality assessment. The third reviewer commented on the review. Articles with no abstracts or full texts, editorials, and qualitative in design were excluded. To assess quality, Joanna Briggs Critical Appraisal Tools was used. A Forest plot was used to present summary information on each article and pooled common effects. Potential heterogeneity was checked using Cochrane's Q test and I-squared statistic. We checked publication bias using a Funnel plot. Moreover, subgroup and sensitivity analyses were performed. Meta-analysis was used for the pooled estimates using RevMan statistical software Version 5.4.1. RESULTS In this review, a total of 27 primary articles were included (with a total sample size of 331,537 participants). Because of the presence of heterogeneity, we employed a random-effects model; therefore, the pooled burden household Out-Of-Pocket / catastrophic healthcare expenditure in Ethiopia was strongly positively associated with household economic status. The odds of facing Out-Of-Pocket / catastrophic healthcare expenditures among the poorest quintile was about three times that of the richest (AOR = 3.09, 95% CI: 1.63, 5.86) p-value < 0.001. In addition, on pooled analysis, the mean direct Out-Of-Pocket healthcare expenditures were $32 per month (95%CI: $11, $52) (SD = $45), and the mean indirect Out-of-Pocket healthcare expenditures were $15 per month (95%CI: $3, $28) (SD = $17). The mean catastrophic healthcare expenditure at 10% of threshold was also disproportionately higher: 40% (95%CI: 28, 52%) (SD = 20%). Moreover, the common coping mechanisms were a sale of household assets, support from family, or loan: 40% (95%CI: 28, 52%) (SD = 20%). CONCLUSION Our study revealed the evidence of inequity in financial hardship that the burden of household Out-Of-Pocket / catastrophic healthcare expenditures gap persists among Ethiopian households that is unfair and unjust. To reduce the detected disparities in seeking healthcare among Ethiopian households, national healthcare priorities should target poor households. This calls for the Ministry of Health to improve the challenges and their impact on equity and design better prepayment policies and strengthen financial protection strategies to protect more vulnerable Ethiopian households. PROTOCOL REGISTRATION The details of this protocol have been registered on the PROSPERO database with reference number ID: CRD42021255977 .
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Affiliation(s)
- Moges Tadesse Borde
- School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences and Medicine, Dilla University, Dilla, Ethiopia
- Hawassa, Ethiopia
| | - Robel Hussen Kabthymer
- Department of Nutrition, College of Health Sciences and Medicine, Dilla University, Dilla, Ethiopia
| | - Mohammed Feyisso Shaka
- Department of Reproductive Health, College of Health Sciences and Medicine, Dilla University, Dilla, Ethiopia
| | - Semagn Mekonnen Abate
- Department of Anaesthesiology, College of Health Sciences and Medicine, Dilla University, Dilla, Ethiopia
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