Alabbadi I, Al-Ajlouny S, Alsoud Y, BaniHani A, Arar BA, Massad EM, Muflih S, Shawawrah M. The cost-of-illness of multiple sclerosis in Jordan.
Expert Rev Pharmacoecon Outcomes Res 2024:1-8. [PMID:
39292516 DOI:
10.1080/14737167.2024.2406797]
[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: 05/03/2024] [Revised: 08/20/2024] [Accepted: 08/21/2024] [Indexed: 09/20/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) imposes a significant financial burden on health-care systems. This study aims to determine the cost-of-illness (COI) for MS in Jordan, a country where data on the economic impact of MS are scarce.
METHODS
Data were collected for one year, annual COI was estimated using a cross-sectional snowball sampling design. Eligible patients completed a self-reported questionnaire to provide sociodemographic, physician visit, and diagnostic and laboratory test data. Indirect costs were estimated using an adjusted Human Capital Approach.
RESULTS
This study included 383 patients, (73% females, 61% between 26-45). Eighty % took disease-modifying therapies (DMTs), and 40% had relapses in that year. One-third use non-DMTs and equipment for assistance. The average annual cost per patient was $11,719 (direct costs=$11,252, indirect costs=$467). The total annual cost for all participants was $748,299. The estimated cost of non-DMT, medical tools, diagnostic tests, and hospitalization per patient was $53, 51, 99, and 235 respectively.
CONCLUSION
High costs of DMTs state the necessity of resource optimization in Jordan public healthcare facilities. Such findings yield policy-informing actionable insights, suggesting strategic investments in more cost-effective DMTs with potential improvement in accessibility and reduction in the overall economic burden faced by both patients and governments.
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