A Study on Expenditure of Health Care Incurred by Diabetes Patients Attending a Diabetes Centre

Many socio-economic factors and health care delivery-related issues impact the outcome of diabetes and consequently the costs and vice versa. Those with higher education, higher income and actively working people are diagnosed earlier because of better awareness, affordability and the need to remain fit to earn a livelihood for the family. The objective of this study was to assess the average annual expenditure for management of diabetes and its complications. According to the study objectives, various variables, including dependent and independent variables, as well as medical and non-medical care expenses, were considered. A descriptive cross-sectional research design was followed in this study and primary data was collected through questionnaire and interview methods. The data was collected from diabetic patients attending a diabetes centre in a hospital. The sample size was limited to 200 respondents. The majority of respondents belonged to the age group of 50–59 years. Among the respondents, 44.5 percent were male and 55.5 percent were female. In terms of religion, 59.5 percent were Hindus, 28 percent were Christians and 12.5 percent were Muslims. About 30.5 percent of the respondents were housewives. The present study shows that a patient with or without complications had spent an average of Rs. 4390 per year within a range of Rs. 720 to Rs. 55946 per annum. Out of the total respondents, 25 percent of the patients had spent up to Rs. 2440 while another 25 percent spent over Rs. 17435 annually. There were wide variations in the expenditure pattern. The major portion of expenditure was on diet followed by treatment of complications. Patients with complications spent more compared to those without complications. The study highlights that the annual expenses on diabetic treatment increase with medical and non-medical costs such as consultation charges, medical expenses, blood examination charges and hospitalization expenses. Regular check-ups and medication are therefore essential for reducing complications and minimizing the economic burden of diabetes. Keywords: expenditure for management of diabetes, consultation charges, medical expenses, blood examination charges and hospitalisation expenses