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Publication Type : Journal Article
Publisher : Dovepress
Source : Clinicoecon Outcomes Res. 2022;14:439-446
Url : https://doi.org/10.2147/CEOR.S365999
Keywords : COVID-19, financial burden, catastrophic health expenditure, distress financing, Kerala
Campus : Kochi
School : School of Medicine
Year : 2022
Abstract :
Introduction: Catastrophic health expenditure during COVID-19 hospitalization has altered the economic picture of households, especially in low resource settings with high rates of COVID-19 infection. This study aimed to estimate the out of pocket (OOP) expenditure and the proportion of households that incurred catastrophic health expenditure due to COVID-19 hospitalization in Kerala, South India.
Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among a representative sample of 155 COVID-19 hospitalized patients in Kottayam district over four months, using a pretested interview schedule. The direct medical and non-medical costs incurred by the study participants during hospitalization and the total monthly household expenditure were obtained from the respective COVID-19 affected households. Catastrophic health expenditure was defined as direct medical expenditure exceeding 40% of the household’s capacity to pay.
Results: From the study, median and mean OOP expenditure was obtained as USD 93.57 and USD 502.60 respectively. The study revealed that 49.7% of households had catastrophic health expenditure, with 32.9% having incurred distress financing. Multivariate analysis revealed being below poverty line, hospitalization in private healthcare facility, and presence of co-morbid conditions as significant determinants of catastrophic health expenditure.
Conclusion: High levels of catastrophic health expenditure and distress financing revealed by the study have unveiled major unaddressed challenges in the road to universal health coverage.
Cite this Research Publication : Thomas R, Jacob QM, Raj Eliza S, Mini M, Jose J, A S. Financial Burden and Catastrophic Health Expenditure Associated with COVID-19 Hospitalizations in Kerala, South India. Clinicoecon Outcomes Res. 2022;14:439-446