Economic burden and influencing factor analysis of outpatients with epilepsy: A cross-sectional study in Shanghai, Shanxi and Sichuan
Journal Title: Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Medicine - Year 2018, Vol 11, Issue 1
Abstract
Objective: To better understand the economic burden of patients with epilepsy receiving outpatient services in China and to analyze potential factors influencing epileptic economic burden through a cross-sectional study. Methods: Using a self-designed questionnaire, we collected information retrospectively from 754 patients with epilepsy evaluated in neurology clinics in Shanghai Municipality, Shanxi Province and Sichuan Province. Descriptive analyses were used after cost variables were presented as logarithms, and multiple linear regressions were performed to explore influencing factors. Results: Fifty percent of the investigated patients experienced an epilepsy attack before the age of 15, and 51.3% had suffered from epilepsy for more than five years. In the past year, 87.9% of patients had visited different hospitals multiple times for evaluation (40.3%) and maintenance treatment (40.7%). The total economic burden of epilepsy was US$ 1 143.2. The average direct economic burden and indirect economic burden were US$ 939.0 and US$ 110.2, respectively. Multiple linear regressions showed that patients had to bear greater economic burden if they were hospitalized, using multiple antiepileptic drugs, experiencing illness for less than 5 years, in severe seizure index or active epilepsy with drug resistance, which was statistically significant. Totally only 14.3% of patients could get reimbursement in outpatient services. Conclusions: Patients with epilepsy must present to hospitals regularly for satisfactory prognosis, which results in economic burden. Patients bear greater economic burden, especially direct medical costs, if they are newly diagnosed, experience severe seizures, or undergo multiple drug treatments that require more frequent monitoring. However, current insurance policy for outpatient services do not help reduce economic burden of patients efficiently.
Authors and Affiliations
Bing-Yu Wang, Yan Guo
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP268086
- DOI 10.4103/1995-7645.223591
- Views 113
- Downloads 0
Evaluation of antiparasitic, anticancer, antimicrobial and hypoglycemic properties of organic extracts from Panamanian mangrove plants
Objective: To investigate 33 organic extracts of mangrove plants for: antiparasitic, anticancer, and antibacterial activities, as well as their ability to inhibit the activity of the 毩-glucosidase enzyme. Methods: Leave...
Elevated serum prostaglandin E2 predicts the risk of infection in hepatitis B virus-related acute-on-chronic liver failure patients
Objective: To evaluate the serum Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) level in Acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) and determine its predicative value for infection. Methods: From April 2014 to April 2015, ninety-one patients with...
Effect of PPARg agonist (rosiglitazone) on the secretion of Th2 cytokine in asthma mice
Objective: To explore the effect of PPARg agonist (rosiglitazone) on the secretion of Th2 cytokines and the proportion of immune cell subsets in asthma mice. Methods: Ovalbumin (OVA)-sensitized mice were used to build as...
A cross-sectional study into the correlation of common household risk factors and allergic rhinitis in Taiwan's tropical environment
Objective: To discuss the effect of lesser-known potential risk factors, such as bedroom showers, on the prevalence of allergic rhinitis. Method: A cross-sectional, population-based study was performed using both survey...
Climate change and potential distribution of zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis in Central Iran: Horizon 2030 and 2050
Objective: To investigate and predict the effects of climate change on the potential distribution of the main vector and reservoir hosts of the disease in Yazd province in the future. Methods: Distribution data for vecto...