Correlation of financial burden with severity of asthma in children

Abstract

Introduction: The economic impact of asthma in children has been steadily increasing and it needs to be recognised as a health priority in the developing countries. Aims and objectives: To correlate the financial burden of disease costs with asthma classification. Methods: It was a prospective study of 38 patients; 25(65.8%) males and 13(34.2%) females. Details were entered in a predesigned proforma and ethical approval was taken. Quantitative statistical analysis using mean, standard deviation and one way ANNOVA test was applied. Results: The frequency of intermittent, mild and moderate persistent asthma was 8(21.05%), 21(55.26%) and 9(23.68%) respectively. The socioeconomic status majorly involved the upper middle class 19(50%). The direct mean costs per annum in all severities ranged between INR 5700-7500(€81.42-107)for general practitioner consultation, INR 3550-10300(€50.71-147)for emergency visits, INR 4400-9000(€ 62.85-128.57)on investigations and INR 7000-13700(€100-195.7)on medications. The indirect costs per annum ranged between INR 9000-19800(€128.57-282.85)for work absenteeism, INR 2800-8700(€40- 124.28)on travel and INR 1700-3200(€24.28-45.71) on food. Extra classes due to school absenteeism was INR 3100-5700(€ 44.28-81.42) and miscellaneous expenses were INR 2000-8300(€28.57-118.57). A sizeable amount of the annual income was spent on asthma i.e 28.76% on intermittent, 40.99% on mild persistent and 60.64% on moderate persistent. Conclusion: Early referral, diligent counselling, physician and parents education along with good compliance would impart effective control and thereby reduce the economic burden.