The Direct Cost and Pattern of Anti-Diabetic Therapy among Patients in a Teaching Hospital in a Resource-Poor Setting

Authors: Adesoye OO*, Oyibo PG, Adesoye FT, Ntaji MI and Adesoye O

DOI: 10.23880/doij-16000283

Volume 8, Issue 4

Abstract

Background: Diabetes Mellitus is a prevalent disease in Sub-Saharan Africa with debilitating effects on health and socioeconomic activities. Payment for health services, such as medications to manage the ailment, remains challenging and worsens a household's access to care. The study's objectives were to determine the direct medical cost of anti-diabetic medications and drug utilization patterns amongst out-patients seeking diabetic care in a tertiary health facility. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 104 respondents at the endocrinology unit of Delta State University Teaching Hospital, Oghara, from Jul 14 to Nov 30, 2022. The monthly expenditures (total and mean) for drug payments were assessed. The drug prescription pattern was similarly evaluated. Results: The total and mean costs for anti-diabetic medications were N1, 576, 458/ $3,608.69 and N7, 436.07/ $17.02 per month, respectively. All respondents paid out-of-pocket for the drugs provided. The majority of respondents were prescribed metformin. Conclusion: The mean cost of drug treatment of diabetes mellitus amongst respondents at the facility was high and unsustainable, given the economic conditions. Health subsidies in alignment with community-based contributory health insurance will protect the vulnerable financially and improve access to anti-diabetic care.

Keywords: Direct Medical Cost; Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus; Antidiabetic Drugs; Prescribing Pattern; Drug Utilization; Resource-Poor Setting

View PDF