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The economic impact of severe asthma to low‐income families
Author(s) -
Franco R.,
Nascimento H. F.,
Cruz A. A.,
Santos A. C.,
SouzaMachado C.,
Ponte E. V.,
SouzaMachado A.,
Rodrigues L. C.,
Barreto M. L.
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
allergy
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.363
H-Index - 173
eISSN - 1398-9995
pISSN - 0105-4538
DOI - 10.1111/j.1398-9995.2009.01981.x
Subject(s) - asthma , medicine , economic impact analysis , low income , environmental health , economics , demographic economics , microeconomics
Background: To estimate the direct and indirect costs of severe asthma and the economic impact of its management to low‐income families in Salvador, Brazil. Methods: One hundred and ninety‐seven patients with severe asthma and referred to a state‐funded asthma center providing free treatment were evaluated. At registration, they were asked about family cost‐events in the previous year and had a baseline assessment of lung function, symptoms and quality of life. During the subsequent year, they were reassessed prospectively. Results: One hundred‐eighty patients concluded a 12‐month follow‐up. Eighty‐four percent were female patients, and the median family income was US$ 2955/year. Forty‐seven percent of family members had lost their jobs because of asthma. Total cost of asthma management took 29% of family income. After proper treatment, asthma control scores improved by 50% and quality of life by 74%. The income of the families increased by US$ 711/year, as their members went back to work. The total cost of asthma to the families was reduced by a median US$ 789/family/year. Consequently, an annual surplus of US$ 1500/family became available. Conclusions: Family costs of severe asthma consumed over one‐fourth of the family income of the underprivileged population in a middle‐income country. Adequate management brings major economic benefit to individuals and families.