Open AccessEpidemiological aspects and cost of managing hypertension in Saudi Arabian primary health care centres
Author(s) -
Mohammed Al Shahri,
Ahmed Mandil,
Ahmed G. Elzubier,
Muhammad Hanif
Publication year - 1998
Publication title -
eastern mediterranean health journal/eastern mediterranean health journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.442
H-Index - 47
eISSN - 1687-1634
pISSN - 1020-3397
DOI - 10.26719/1998.4.3.493
Subject(s) - epidemiology , medicine , family medicine , health care , documentation , primary care , medical record , health care cost , primary health care , environmental health , medical emergency , surgery , population , computer science , economics , programming language , economic growth
The main epidemiological features and the direct cost of management of hypertension for a sample of registered patients in primary health care centres in Al-Khobar, Saudi Arabia were examined. Epidemiological features were gathered through patient interviews and from medical records, while direct cost of management was obtained using a standard formula. Consultation accounted for the highest direct cost of disease management [67%] ; investigations and drugs were responsible for 16% and 17%, respectively. Number of visits, frequency of follow-up and use of additional drugs were significantly associated with higher total direct cost and higher cost of consultation. Medical education for physicians regarding cost containment and the complete documentation of medical treatment is advised