V X Nam1, N V Nhung2, N B Hoa2, H T T Thuy2, N T M Phuong2, N T Anh2, L T Ngoc Anh2, V Q Trung3, T V Ha4, A Meeyai5, M Thavorncharoensap6, U Chaikledkaew6. 1. Graduate Program in Social, Economic and Administrative Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand, Viet Namese National Tuberculosis Program, Ha Noi. 2. Viet Namese National Tuberculosis Program, Ha Noi. 3. Department of Pharmacy Administration, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ho Chi Minh City. 4. Department of Health Insurance, Ministry of Health, Ha Noi, Viet Nam. 5. Department of Epidemiology, Faculty of Public Health, Mahidol University, Bangkok. 6. Graduate Program in Social, Economic and Administrative Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand, Social Administrative Pharmacy Excellence Research Unit, Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.
Abstract
SETTING: Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) has become a major worldwide health problem. Various studies have been conducted on the cost of MDR-TB treatment; however, this has remained largely unexplored in Viet Nam. OBJECTIVE: To estimate the total cost of MDR-TB treatment at several health care facilities in Viet Nam. DESIGN: A prospective, prevalence-based study was conducted at three selected centers from March to June 2016 in 204 patients, 102 of whom were treated for 9 months and 102 for 20 months. Direct medical costs were calculated using electronic hospital databases, while a questionnaire was used to interview participants for evaluating direct non-medical and indirect costs. Total costs were estimated from a societal perspective in 2017 USD. RESULTS: Patients were mostly males aged 25-44 years. The average length of hospitalization in the 9-month treatment group was 168 ± 127 days; in the 20-month group, it was 671 ± 119 days. The average treatment cost for MDR-TB was respectively US$1480.34 ± 211.61 and US$2695.58 ± 294.98 for the 9- and 20-month treatment groups. Direct medical costs generally accounted for the highest proportion of the total costs, while the cost of pharmaceuticals and materials comprised the highest direct cost. CONCLUSION: There was a significant difference in total costs among the three hospitals in the 9- and 20-month treatment groups.
SETTING: Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) has become a major worldwide health problem. Various studies have been conducted on the cost of MDR-TB treatment; however, this has remained largely unexplored in Viet Nam. OBJECTIVE: To estimate the total cost of MDR-TB treatment at several health care facilities in Viet Nam. DESIGN: A prospective, prevalence-based study was conducted at three selected centers from March to June 2016 in 204 patients, 102 of whom were treated for 9 months and 102 for 20 months. Direct medical costs were calculated using electronic hospital databases, while a questionnaire was used to interview participants for evaluating direct non-medical and indirect costs. Total costs were estimated from a societal perspective in 2017 USD. RESULTS:Patients were mostly males aged 25-44 years. The average length of hospitalization in the 9-month treatment group was 168 ± 127 days; in the 20-month group, it was 671 ± 119 days. The average treatment cost for MDR-TB was respectively US$1480.34 ± 211.61 and US$2695.58 ± 294.98 for the 9- and 20-month treatment groups. Direct medical costs generally accounted for the highest proportion of the total costs, while the cost of pharmaceuticals and materials comprised the highest direct cost. CONCLUSION: There was a significant difference in total costs among the three hospitals in the 9- and 20-month treatment groups.