Address of Corresponding Author

Respiration 2004;71:587-593 (DOI: 10.1159/000081759)

  Key Words

• Asthma
• Medical cost, direct

  Abstract

Background: There has been no documented data regarding the cost of asthma in our country. Objective: In this 1-year prospective study, we aimed to determine the annual cost of asthma in Ankara, Turkey. Methods: Direct medical cost analysis was performed in 118 patients. Results: Mean annual direct medical costs of asthma were USD 1,465.7 ± 111.8 per capita. Medication cost comprised the majority (81%) of the total direct cost. Mean direct medical costs according to the stage of disease were USD 172.5 ± 51.7, 860.7 ± 70.2, 1,671.6 ± 141.8 and 3,491.9 ± 417.6 for stage 1 (n = 4), 2 (n = 54), 3 (n = 46) and 4 (n = 14) patients, respectively. Conclusions: In this first study to document the cost of asthma for our region, direct cost of asthma was found to be increased with the severity of the illness. Considering the fact that medication cost comprises the major fraction of the direct cost, cost-effectiveness trials to determine the effective treatment with optimal cost for different asthma stages should be the next step.

Copyright © 2004 S. Karger AG, Basel

  Author Contacts

Gülfem Çelik, MD
Esat caddesi 37/20, 06660
Küçükesat/Ankara (Turkey)
Tel. +90 312 3623030, ext. 6525, Fax +90 312 3190046
E-Mail fcelik@dialup.ankara.edu.tr

  Article Information

Received: December 11, 2003
Accepted after revision: April 28, 2004
Number of Print Pages : 7
Number of Figures : 0, Number of Tables : 6, Number of References : 27