Economic Burden of Glaucoma on Patients in the Tema Metropolis

Abstract

Introduction: Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. Ghana ranks second in the prevalence of glaucoma globally. Glaucoma poses a considerable economic burden on its patients since victims have to be on treatment for the rest of their lives. The cost of managing glaucoma increases as the disease progresses. Only few studies have been conducted to estimate the cost of managing glaucoma. This study therefore aims to determine the economic burden of glaucoma on patients. Methods: Cross sectional Cost Of Illness (COI) study from the perspective of patient was used. The study sample (n=180) was drawn using a proportional quota sampling approach from a public and private eye care facility in the Tema Metropolis. A simple random sampling method was then used to select study glaucoma patients from the two facilities. Direct cost was a summation of all costs related to the treatment of glaucoma. Indirect cost was estimated using the Human Capital Approach to estimate patients and caregivers time lost due to seeking glaucoma care. Intangible cost was determined using tertile statistic approach to assess fear, emotional pain, social isolation and depression. Results: The total cost of seeking glaucoma care from the perspective of the patient was estimated to be GHS45,889.28 (USD10,525.06) with an average cost of GHS254.94(USD 58.47) per patient per month. The direct cost constituted 93.7% of the cost profile whilst the indirect cost represented 6.3% of the cost profile. Overall, more than a quarter (25.6%) of patients suffer moderate intangible burden, and less than three times the patients attending private hospital (2.0%) endured lesser burden compared to those attending public hospital (6.1%). University of Ghana http://ugspace.ug.edu.gh v Conclusion: Glaucoma poses a significant economic burden on patients which increases as the disease progresses. The direct costs of glaucoma are high and constitute more than two-thirds of the total cost of glaucoma with the main cost driver being medicines. Keywords: Direct cost, indirect cost, intangible cost, glaucoma