How Do Out-of-Pocket Expenditures Affect Healthcare: A Qualitative Insight of Acute Exacerbation among Asthma Patients

ABSTRACT

Introduction: This study was designed todetermine the out of pocket costs (OOPCs) of acute exacerbation of asthma (AEA) in asthma patients attending a public hospital.Methodology:A cross-sectionalstudy was done by interviewing the patients using the convenience sampling technique. Data were obtained based on per episode of AEA. OOPCs were calculated based on direct and indirect costs. A total of 128patients participated in the study. The data were analyzed with SPSS ver 23.Results: The study group comprised of 88 males (68.8%), 57 (44.5%) singles and 67 (52.3%) less than 40 years of age. There were considerable differences found between the severity levels and lengths of hospital stay towards theOOPCs. Conclusion:The severity of the AEA and length of stay in the hospital increase the per episode OOPCs of AEA among asthma patients