The economic burden of epilepsy in Bhutan.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

To assess the economic impact of epilepsy in Bhutan, a lower-middle-income country with a universal health care system, but with limited access to neurological care.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey was conducted of patients with epilepsy at the Jigme Dorji Wangchuk National Referral Hospital from January to August 2016. Data were collected on clinical features, cost of care, impact of epilepsy on school or work and household economic status of participants and matched comparisons (a sibling or neighbour from a household without epilepsy).

Results

A total of 172 individuals were included in the study (130 adults and 42 children). One-third of adults and 20 (48%) children had seizures at least once per month. Mean direct out-of-pocket cost for epilepsy care w

SUBMITTER: Wibecan L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6158445 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature