Economic Burden of Hypertension among Patients Attending Nsawam- Government Hospital in the Nsawam- Adoagyiri Municipality, Eastern Region, Ghana.

Abstract

Background: Hypertension is a chronic asymptomatic disease condition which affect every part of the world and has no respect for age and often, increases with age. The Objective of this study was to estimate the economic burden of hypertension among patients attending Nsawam Government Hospital in the Nsawam- Adoagyiri Municipality of the Eastern Region, Ghana. Method A descriptive cross sectional Cost of Illness (COI) survey which relied on quantitative data was conducted among 202 patients who have been diagnosed as hypertensive and thus, are receiving medical care at Nsawam Government Hospital from 29th May 2018 to 13th June, 2018. Data on socio-demographic characteristics, direct cost, indirect cost and the intangible cost which patients incurred as a result of seeking medical care were collected and analyzed. Results: A total of 202 hypertensives were interviewed. Their mean age was 59 years. The total monthly treatment cost was GHS29,302.55 (US$6,356.30) with the direct cost accounting for almost 70% of the total cost of managing hypertension accompanied by a moderate intangible cost as reported by most of the patients. Conclusion Hypertension pose a considerable economic burden and a reduction in the income of the patients, impacting negatively on their welfare which often render them into financial distress in an attempt to seek for treatment.