S-31-5: SOCIO-ECONOMIC IMPACT AND BURDEN OF HYPERTENSION IN THE PHILIPPINES PROJECTED IN 2050

Abstract

Objective: Hypertension has remained the number one cause of cardiovascular death in the Philippines for over three (3) decades. Despite this finding, the burden accounted for by hypertension is investigated to a lesser extent in the country. We performed this study to determine the socio-economic impact and burden of hypertension if Filipinos are affected with uncontrolled high blood pressure and the results projected in the next 30 years. Design and method: Primary data thru interviews and Labor Force Survey were gathered (N = 806). Secondary data were obtained from the following agencies; Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), Family Income and Expenditure Survey (FIES), National Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS), National Nutrition Survey, Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME), United Nations World Population Prospects, and World Health Organization (WHO). Consequently, cost of illness (COI) was calculated using the direct costs, morbidity costs, and mortality costs. Results: Sixty-eight percent (68%) of the respondents were in the active workforce. The majority do not have comorbidities (87%), but those who have hypertensive heart disease, stroke, and kidney problems were the top comorbid conditions. The source of funds for expenses is primarily out-of-pocket (41%). Nearly all patients were not hospitalized (92%) in the past year. The few hospitalized (8%) were mainly due to hypertensive emergency. The impact (% of respondents) of uncontrolled hypertension on productivity at work showed the following; four (4) days missing work (72%) and ten (10) days lost of productivity (63%). The impact (% of respondents) of uncontrolled hypertension on productivity at home showed the following: six (6) days of household suspended (66%), eleven (11) days reduced household work (78%), and five (5) days affected social activity (60%). Hypertension sufferers 40 years and older will get the most significant share of productivity loss due to uncontrolled hypertension. The productivity loss of premature mortality accounts for a 17% of total economic burden in 2020 and this is expected to increase to 20% by 2050. In 2020, about 70% of the total economic burden is accounted for direct & indirect care. In the next 30 years (2020 - 2050), the economic cost of hypertension its present value is expected to increase from Php52.6 billion ($1 billion) in 2020 to Php97.3 billion ($1.8 billion) by 2050. Conclusion: The socio-economic impact of uncontrolled hypertension in the Philippines was enormous. The economic cost of hypertension will almost double in the next 30 years. Both productivity loss and premature mortality will have significant impact on the Philippine economy by 2050.