Economic burden of respiratory diseases and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in Russian Federation, 2016

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate economic burden of respiratory diseases and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in Russian Federation (RF) in 2016 including direct costs and economic losses caused by decreased labor efficiency. Methods. The analysis included direct cost, such as healthcare expenses and disablement payout, and economic losses due to decreased labor efficiency by the reason of morbidity and premature mortality. Data of Federal State Statistics Service, annual State Statistical Reports, the State Guarantee Program of Free Medical Care for Citizens of Russian Federation, and statistical data on respiratory diseases and COPD were used. Costs of medical care (ambulatory, hospital, and emergency care) were calculated based on compulsory health insurance tariffs. The amount of disability benefits payments was calculated based on number of disabled persons in each group and the size of the disability benefit. Indirect costs (or economic losses) included losses from non-produced products due to premature mortality and disability of working-aged adults. Results. In 2016, there were 623,000 years of potential life lost (YPLL) due to respiratory diseases, mainly in males. Of this, 35% of deaths and 22% of YPLL were related to COPD. Healthcare costs for COPD treatment included hospital care costs (83.9%), ambulatory care costs (11.1%) and emergency care costs (5%). In 2016, the economic burden of COPD in Russian Federation reached 170.3 billion ₽, or 18.8% of all losses and expenditures from respiratory diseases. This is 0.2% of the gross domestic product (GDP) in the same year. Conclusion. The economic burden of COPD in Russia in 2016 was 170.3 billion ₽, or 0.2% of GDP. The burden of COPD predominantly consisted of economic losses caused by premature mortality of working-aged subjects. These data suggest that priority should be given to measures aimed at preventing the occurrence and slowing down the progression of this disease, probably by increase the investment in the prevention and treatment of COPD. Such measures could reduce clinical and economic consequences of COPD.