Direct cost of care for hypertensive patients in Burkina Faso

Abstract

In Burkina Faso, the high blood pressure represents the first cardiovascular risk factor. Few data are available about the costs paid by hypertensive patients for public policies guidance. This study aimed to estimate the direct average cost for hypertensive patient care according to their income in urban area in Burkina Faso. In 2015, from January to December, we performed across-sectional study in the different levels of health care system in Bobo-Dioulasso. Study included hypertensive patients (more than 18 years old) who are regularly followed-up for at least twelve months and without complication of hypertension. We carried outa randomcluster sampling with a consecutive recruitment of the patients. One-way-ANOVA test was performed to compare the monthly average income and the direct average cost for hypertensive patient care. One hundred and fifty six (156) non-complicated hypertensive patients were included. The direct average cost was of 74 626.9 FCFA per patient-year (138 USD), IC95% [66 303.4 FCFA (123 USD) – 82 950.3 FFA (154 USD)] patient-year, corresponding to 6219 FCFA (11.5USD) per patient-month. The drugs represented 66.9% of the wholetotal costs. The monthly low income was associated with the high direct average cost for hypertensive patient care. Free health care policies are implementing in West Africa. Considering equity of access to health care by poorest, a subsidy of antihypertensive drug could be a great opportunity to reduce financial barrier to care for hypertensive patients, and so, avoiding its complications.

Keywords: hypertension, direct cost, income, sub-saharan Africa.