Economic Burden of Childhood Asthma In A Tertiary Care Setting Of North India

Abstract

Background: Asthma is one of the most common chronic respiratory diseases with an increasing prevalence worldwide. It has huge economic and social impact. Newer medications and other therapies allow many patients to control their symptoms, but the cost of treatment can be high. In addition, the treatment of acute exacerbation and comorbidities of asthma consume considerable medical resources. Methodology: For assessing economic impact of asthma on children and their families we studied 216 children over a period of 1 year at department of pediatrics of Patna Medical College and Hospital. Both direct and indirect cost of asthma was assessed. Direct costs include inpatient care, emergency visits, OPD visits, drugs and devices and diagnostic tests. Indirect costs include school days lost, traveling cost, and productivity loss for the caretaker of asthmatic children. Results: Out of total 216 children, 65 % were male and 35% were female. Mean loss of school days because of asthma related events were 3.6 days in preceding 6 months. About 6% children required hospitalization in the preceding 6 months and 54% children had some restriction on their play activities because of asthma. The mean monthly expenditure on the therapy was Rupees 410. Conclusion: As a leading chronic childhood illness, asthma has a large socioeconomic burden on affected children and their families.