Socio-economic impact of tuberculosis on patients and family in India

Rajeswari, R and Balasubramanian, R and Muniyandi, M and Geetharamani, S and Thresa, X and Venkatesan, P (1999) Socio-economic impact of tuberculosis on patients and family in India. International Journal of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease, 3 (10). pp. 869-877. ISSN Print: 1027-3719; Online: 1815-7920

PDF 199911.pdf - Published Version Restricted to Registered users only Download (127kB) | Request a copy

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To quantify the socio-economic impact of tuberculosis on patients and their families from the costs incurred by patients in rural and urban areas. DESIGN: An interview schedule prepared from 17 focus group discussions was used to collect socio-economic demographic characteristics, employment, income particulars, expenditure on illness and effects on children from newly detected sputum-positive pulmonary tuberculosis patients. The direct and indirect costs included money spent on diagnosis, drugs, investigations, travel and loss of wages. Total costs were projected for the entire 6 months of treatment. RESULTS: The study population consisted of 304 patients (government health care 202, non governmental organisation 77, private practitioner 25), 120 of whom were CHRONIC DISEASES such as tuberculosis cause considerable morbidity and mortality. Despite the fact that the causative organism was identified over a century ago and near 100% effective regimens are available, there has been little impact on the problem of tuberculosis. One of the reasons for this is the poor definition of the socio-economic impact of the disease. It is only recently that studies have been undertaken to identify the socio-economic burden of illnesses such as tuberculosis. A clear understanding of this burden will aid planners to give adequate priority in the allocation of funds.1 Tuberculosis affects the most productive age group and the resultant economic cost for society is high.2-4 Even though some studies have tried to measure the economic effects of tuberculosis, little has been written on the differential impact of the disease on men and women. Women often face obstacles in gaining access to diagnostic facilities, investigations and in completing adequate treatment.5 In addition, the triple burden of housework, childcare and employment allows them very little time to access health care and tuberculosis care for themselves. The purpose of the present study is to document females. Mean direct cost was Rs.2052/–, indirect Rs.3934/–, and total cost was Rs.5986/– ($171 US). The mean number of work days lost was 83 and mean debts totalled Rs.2079/–. Both rural and urban female patients faced rejection by their families (15%). Eleven per cent of schoolchildren discontinued their studies; an additional 8% took up employment to support their family. CONCLUSIONS: The total costs, and particularly indirect costs due to TB, were relatively high. The average period of loss of wages was 3 months. Care giving activities of female patients decreased significantly, and a fifth of schoolchildren discontinued their studies.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	tuberculosis; economic impact; cost identification; women; children
Subjects:	Tuberculosis > Clinical Research
Divisions:	Clinical Research
Depositing User:	Dr. Rathinasabapati R
Date Deposited:	04 Nov 2013 08:47
Last Modified:	10 Mar 2016 08:55
URI:	http://eprints.nirt.res.in/id/eprint/494

Actions (login required)

View Item