Afshin Ostovar1, Abdoreza Mousavi2, Sayed Mahmoud Sajjadi-Jazi3,4, Marzieh Rajabi5, Bagher Larijani3, Noushin Fahimfar6, Rajabali Daroudi7. 1. Osteoporosis Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinical Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. 2. Department of Health Management and Economics, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. 3. Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinical Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. 4. Cell Therapy and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Molecular-Cellular Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. 5. Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran. 6. Osteoporosis Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinical Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. nfahimfar@sina.tums.ac.ir. 7. Department of Health Management and Economics, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. rdaroudi@sina.tums.ac.ir.
Abstract
Osteoporosis, the most common metabolic bone disease, leads to increased susceptibility to fractures. In 2020, about 150,000 osteoporotic fractures occurred in Iran. Osteoporosis and related fractures cost the community US$ 393 million. Introduction The present study aimed at estimating the economic burden of osteoporosis in Iran in 2020. METHODS: We estimated the annual economic burden of osteoporosis in the above 50 years old population using a prevalence-based approach and from a societal perspective. The incidence of osteoporosis and related fractures were estimated based on meta-analysis reports in Iran and international comparisons. The direct medical and non-medical costs as well as the monetary value of quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) lost because of fractures were estimated. Cost data were extracted from patient records, medical services prices, and previous literature. RESULTS: A total of 154,530 osteoporotic fractures were estimated in Iran in 2020. The shares of the hip, vertebral, forearm, and other fractures were 14%, 15%, 17%, and 54%, respectively. There were also 3554 deaths from osteoporotic fractures. The economic burden of osteoporosis in Iran was estimated at US$ 393.24 million (US$ 2165 million purchasing power parity 2020). Direct medical and non-medical cost (47.44%), QALY loss (29.65%), and long-term care for prior hip fracture costs (9.4%) were the main component of the economic burden of osteoporosis. CONCLUSION: The economic burdens of osteoporosis are significant in Iran. Interventions to prevent osteoporosis and especially associated fractures, such as screening and prophylaxis, can reduce the cost of the disease and improve patients' quality of life. Further studies are needed to identify cost-effective and feasible interventions in Iran.
Osteoporosis, the most common metabolic bone disease, leads to increased susceptibility to fractures. In 2020, about 150,000 osteoporotic fractures occurred in Iran. Osteoporosis and related fractures cost the community US$ 393 million. Introduction The present study aimed at estimating the economic burden of osteoporosis in Iran in 2020. METHODS: We estimated the annual economic burden of osteoporosis in the above 50 years old population using a prevalence-based approach and from a societal perspective. The incidence of osteoporosis and related fractures were estimated based on meta-analysis reports in Iran and international comparisons. The direct medical and non-medical costs as well as the monetary value of quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) lost because of fractures were estimated. Cost data were extracted from patient records, medical services prices, and previous literature. RESULTS: A total of 154,530 osteoporotic fractures were estimated in Iran in 2020. The shares of the hip, vertebral, forearm, and other fractures were 14%, 15%, 17%, and 54%, respectively. There were also 3554 deaths from osteoporotic fractures. The economic burden of osteoporosis in Iran was estimated at US$ 393.24 million (US$ 2165 million purchasing power parity 2020). Direct medical and non-medical cost (47.44%), QALY loss (29.65%), and long-term care for prior hip fracture costs (9.4%) were the main component of the economic burden of osteoporosis. CONCLUSION: The economic burdens of osteoporosis are significant in Iran. Interventions to prevent osteoporosis and especially associated fractures, such as screening and prophylaxis, can reduce the cost of the disease and improve patients' quality of life. Further studies are needed to identify cost-effective and feasible interventions in Iran.