Evaluation of the Care Costs for Non-Communicable Diseases Incurred by Patients in the Greater Tunis Area

Authors

  • Halima Ben Hmad
  • Lina Bel Arbi
  • Chourouk Themri
  • Mongi Hassouna

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.37506/ijphrd.v14i3.19437

Keywords:

Direct costs, indirect costs, non-communicable diseases, COPAQ

Abstract

Objectives: The objective of this study was to estimate the costs and expenses incurred by patients for the
management of non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
Methods: The study was carried out in 7 Basic Health Centers (BHCs) distributed all over Greater Tunis and was
conducted using a new tool: the COPAQ.
Results: According to the survey, the direct medical cost was estimated at 127 ± 204.4 TND, while the indirect cost
was estimated at 21.58 ± 39.07 TND and the patient spend a total cost of about 149.1 ± 212.2 TND. Compared to
the guaranteed interprofessional minimum salary, which is set at 378.560 TND, and to the monthly income of the
interviewed patients, which varies between 300-600 TND, the total cost of chronic diseases seemed to be enormous
and not affordable for most patients.
Conclusions: The Tunisian state should take into consideration the incurred expenses and move towards
preventive strategies to decrease the spread of these diseases and thus reduce their costs

Author Biographies

Halima Ben Hmad

Doctor of Physiology Laboratory Asyllia Polla of Interdisciplinary Research
in Health Sciences, body and health axis, Mahmoud El Materi University, Tunis, Tunisia

Lina Bel Arbi

Major Nurse,  Laboratory Asyllia Polla of Interdisciplinary Research in Health Sciences, body and health axis, Mahmoud El Materi University, Tunis, Tunisia.

Chourouk Themri

Major Nurse, Laboratory Asyllia Polla of Interdisciplinary Research
in Health Sciences, body and health axis, Mahmoud El Materi University, Tunis, Tunisia

Mongi Hassouna

Professor, Laboratory Asyllia Polla of Interdisciplinary Research in Health Sciences, body and health axis, Mahmoud El Materi University, Tunis, Tunisia

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Published

2023-06-21

How to Cite

Halima Ben Hmad, Lina Bel Arbi, Chourouk Themri, & Mongi Hassouna. (2023). Evaluation of the Care Costs for Non-Communicable Diseases Incurred by Patients in the Greater Tunis Area. Indian Journal of Public Health Research & Development, 14(3), 396–401. https://doi.org/10.37506/ijphrd.v14i3.19437