A Kumar1, J Nagpal, A Bhartia. 1. Sitaram Bhartia Institute of Science and Research, B-16, Qutab Institutional Area, New Delhi-110 016.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To estimate the direct cost of ambulatory care in diabetes patients in the middle and high income group populace of Delhi. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: We analyzed the drugs, investigations, consultation and monitoring related data available from a survey of 35- 65-year-old known diabetes patients conducted using a probability-proportionate-to-size 2-stage cluster design to calculate the direct cost of ambulatory diabetes care. RESULTS: A total of 819 subjects were enrolled from 20,666 houses. The average estimate of direct annual expenditure on ambulatory care of diabetes was approximately Rs. 6000 (approximately US$ 150). Time elapsed since diagnosis (p<0.001), education (p=0.011), gross family income (p=0.002), presence of co-morbidities (p=0.009) and requirement for useof oral hypoglycemic agents (p<0.001) or insulin (p<0.001) were significant correlates. Direct ambulatory cost of care comprised 1-3% of the gross family income of the subjects. CONCLUSION: Despite the limitations of the present study it may be concluded that a majority of the diabetes patients spend a significant proportion of their family income on diabetes related expenditure. The cost is higher for subjects with longer duration since diagnosis, those with higher education or income, those with co-morbidities and those requiring oral hypoglycemic agents or insulin.
OBJECTIVE: To estimate the direct cost of ambulatory care in diabetespatients in the middle and high income group populace of Delhi. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: We analyzed the drugs, investigations, consultation and monitoring related data available from a survey of 35- 65-year-old known diabetespatients conducted using a probability-proportionate-to-size 2-stage cluster design to calculate the direct cost of ambulatory diabetes care. RESULTS: A total of 819 subjects were enrolled from 20,666 houses. The average estimate of direct annual expenditure on ambulatory care of diabetes was approximately Rs. 6000 (approximately US$ 150). Time elapsed since diagnosis (p<0.001), education (p=0.011), gross family income (p=0.002), presence of co-morbidities (p=0.009) and requirement for useof oral hypoglycemic agents (p<0.001) or insulin (p<0.001) were significant correlates. Direct ambulatory cost of care comprised 1-3% of the gross family income of the subjects. CONCLUSION: Despite the limitations of the present study it may be concluded that a majority of the diabetespatients spend a significant proportion of their family income on diabetes related expenditure. The cost is higher for subjects with longer duration since diagnosis, those with higher education or income, those with co-morbidities and those requiring oral hypoglycemic agents or insulin.
Authors: Taulant Muka; David Imo; Loes Jaspers; Veronica Colpani; Layal Chaker; Sven J van der Lee; Shanthi Mendis; Rajiv Chowdhury; Wichor M Bramer; Abby Falla; Raha Pazoki; Oscar H Franco Journal: Eur J Epidemiol Date: 2015-01-18 Impact factor: 8.082