Assessing the Impact of Out-of-Pocket Expenditures for Prevention of COVID-19 Infection on Households: Evidence From Malaysia.
Inquiry
; 58: 469580211062402, 2021.
Article
in English
| MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1594373
ABSTRACT
COVID-19 infection resulted in significant economic implications to patients as well as a considerable financial burden to the general population for preventive measures. A descriptive study was conducted among staff at one of the public universities in Malaysia to estimate the monthly out-of-pocket expenditures for preventive measures used for COVID-19 infection. The study tool includes questions on household out-of-pocket expenditure and the measurements of the impact of the expenditure on household income. It was found that the average cumulative monthly expenditures related to the preventive measures were US$ 45.90 (Ringgit Malaysia 187.77), which was 4.3% of the household income. The highest expenditures were for traditional and complementary medicine followed by nutraceutical/supplements and disposable facemask. 8% of the households in this study incurred more than ten per cents of their monthly household income for expenditures related to COVID-19 preventive measures. Several households are experiencing substantial financial implications for preventive measures related to COVID-19 infection. This study highlights the out-of-pocket expenditures incurred for preventive measures were substantial for certain households. Effective initiatives from the government on providing subsidized protective personal equipment and a cost-sharing approach could help to alleviate the household financial burden.
Keywords
Full text:
Available
Collection:
International databases
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Health Expenditures
/
COVID-19
Type of study:
Experimental Studies
Topics:
Traditional medicine
Limits:
Humans
Country/Region as subject:
Asia
Language:
English
Journal:
Inquiry
Year:
2021
Document Type:
Article
Affiliation country:
00469580211062402
Similar
MEDLINE
...
LILACS
LIS