How Do Out-of-Pocket Expenditures Affect Healthcare: A Qualitative Insight of Acute Exacerbation among Asthma Patients
Muhammad Shahid Iqbal *
Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj, 11942, Saudi Arabia.
Fahad I. Al-Saikhan
Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj, 11942, Saudi Arabia.
Nehad J. Ahmed
Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj, 11942, Saudi Arabia.
Muhammad Zahid Iqbal
Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy, AIMST University, 08100, Bedong, Kedah Darul Aman, Malaysia.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Introduction: This study was designed to determine the out of pocket costs (OOPCs) of acute exacerbation of asthma (AEA) in asthma patients attending a public hospital.
Methodology: A cross-sectional study was done by interviewing the patients using the convenience sampling technique. Data were obtained based on per episode of AEA. OOPCs were calculated based on direct and indirect costs. A total of 128 patients participated in the study. The data were analyzed with SPSS ver 23.
Results: The study group comprised of 88 males (68.8%), 57 (44.5%) singles and 67 (52.3%) less than 40 years of age. There were considerable differences found between the severity levels and lengths of hospital stay towards the OOPCs.
Conclusion: The severity of the AEA and length of stay in the hospital increase the per episode OOPCs of AEA among asthma patients.
Keywords: Acute exacerbation, asthma, AEA, OOPCs, pharmacoeconomics.