Analysis of Cost Associated with Treatment of Road Traffic Injuries among Victims at the Kenyatta National Hospital Nairobi City Kenya

Abstract

Previous studies have pointed out that road traffic injuries (RTIs) as a leading cause to fatalities of over one million victims globally per year which bears negative impact on health, economy and development of the society as a whole. Furthermore, young men and women at their most economic age group have been identified as the most vulnerable group to road traffic injuries (RTIs) resulting to mortality and very severe morbidity due disability. However, there is little or no published evidence on healthcare resource allocations and utilization after RTIs, especially in developing countries that include those in Africa. Objective: The main objective of this study was to analyze the total hospital cost related to RTI (Road traffic injury) victims admitted for a period of 3 months. The study demonstrated effects of direct and indirect medical cost , productivity loss and hospital length of stay on total cost of road traffic injuries of RTI victims at KNH. Methods: This was a cross sectional study design done at the Kenyatta Hospital Nairobi, surgical wards and Accident & Emergency. A sample (n=124) consisted of new victims admitted to the Hospital due to RTI from January 25th 2019 to 24th April 2019., this was two thirds of the sample size at 74% respondent rate who gave consent and all ethical approvals granted. The data collection of direct and indirect medical cost was by data extraction tool, testing of the tools was done at the surgical ward. Productivity loss of the victims was calculated by use of Work Productivity and Activity Impairment Questionnaire (WPAIQ). SPSS version 22 was applied and descriptive statistics to show frequencies and Percentages for categorical variables (victim’s unique individualized characteristics). Multi Linear Regression Model Test was used test the relationship between the independent and dependent variables. Results: The study results indicated that direct cost factors (laboratory cost, A&E Charges and Diagnostic Cost) (X1: β1 =.199, P<. 047), (X3: β3 =.469, P< .037), and (X4: β4 =.029, P< .048) had a significant influence on the overall cost of treatment of RTI victims seeking treatment at the KNH, there was no significant relationship between Bed Charges (X2: β2 =.117, P>.689) and the cost of treatment of RTI victims seeking treatment at the KNH. The findings of the study also indicated that Y= 7.949+.001X1+0. 458X2+0. .239 X3+ 0. .305X4+e where a .199 change in direct cost, .117 changes in indirect cost, .469 change in total productivity cost and .029 changes in duration of stay in hospital influenced a unit change on the cost of treatment of RTI victims seeking treatment at the KNH. Most distribution of injuries was lower limbs at 51.6% Conclusion & Recommendation: The study concludes that Road traffic accident is an economic burden to individual, family and country at large. The study recommends, need for an awareness on importance of National Hospital insurance fund (NHIF) as a universal health coverage fund for people at an affordable cost, there is need to reduce the indirect cost of treatment associated indirect cost of treatment, support to from one person or two further increasing productivity time associated with the injury. Further motion study on cost analysis will give a detailed insight on these area of study.