Work

Catastrophic costs of Tuberculosis in patients registered under the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme in South-East Delhi, India

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Background Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the leading causes of death from an infectious agent. Tuberculosis patients often fall into a "poverty medical trap" due to the cost of treatment. The present study aimed to estimate the economic burden of TB in registered patients undergoing treatment under the national programme. Methodology The study was a mixed-method study conducted in various DOTS centres of South-East Delhi. Quantitative data collection was done using a validated questionnaire, while focus group discussions helped triangulate data generated by quantitative methods. Data on socio-demographics, disease-specific characteristics, and costs were gathered. Descriptive statistics delineated sample characteristics. Univariate analysis helped understand the factors influencing the catastrophic costs. Results A total of 439 Tuberculosis patients in the Intensive phase of treatment were approached, out of which 416 consented to participate in the study. The mean (±S.D) total costs were Rs. 5923±1243.2 while the mean direct and indirect costs were Rs. 4553.6±623.2 and Rs. 2475.4±540.1 respectively. The total costs were significantly associated (p<0.05) with the type of TB in the patient (more in EPTB patients), the type of health facility first visited (private more than government) and the employment status (highest cost in those who had employment of some kind). The catastrophic costs were experienced by 24.27% of households. Conclusion Despite the free diagnosis and treatment of tuberculosis in the country, patients still experienced direct and indirect costs in the present study. More robust mechanisms and strategies are needed to reach the WHO End TB strategy target of ‘Zero Catastrophic Costs'.

Source: Clinical Epidemiology and Global Health

DOI: 10.1016/j.cegh.2025.102075

Authors: Tazean Zahoor Malik, Faheem Ahmed, Sushovan Roy, Rashmi Agarwalla, Rambha Pathak

Institutions: Jamia Hamdard, King Khalid University, All India Institute of Medical Sciences Guwahati, Government Institute of Medical Sciences, Greater Noida

Language: English

Topic: Tuberculosis Research and Epidemiology

Subfield: Infectious Diseases

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, No poverty

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,000