The Economic Burden of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in Greece.

Abstract

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a leading cause of disability and death worldwide, imposing a substantial socioeconomic burden on societies and patients due to the long-term management required. To assess the economic burden of COPD in Greece and its potential determinants. A population-based, random-digit dialled, telephone nationwide survey was conducted to recruit patients with COPD in Greece (N = 351). A structured questionnaire was used to collect data. The total annual cost per patient from a societal perspective was calculated. The mean (95% CI) annual total cost per patient for the management of COPD from a societal perspective was €2150 (€1879-€2443). The total annual cost was mainly driven by the medication cost (36.1%), followed by the cost of hospitalizations (26.7%) and long-term oxygen therapy (13.8%). Multiple generalized linear model revealed that age, COPD Assessment Test (CAT) score and exacerbations were independently associated with the total annual cost. Investment in interventions aiming at delaying progression of disease, preventing acute exacerbations, and managing chronic symptoms are required to reduce the overall economic burden of COPD in Greece.