The Cost of Care of Childhood Epilepsy in Southern Nigeria: Experience from a Tertiary Hospital in Port Harcourt
Main Article Content
Keywords
Childhood Epilepsy, Cost of health care, Southern Nigeria , Port Harcourt
Abstract
Background: The financial burden of caring for a child living with epilepsy and its effect on the family's financial status and quality of life are understudied. This study aimed to determine the cost of care for children with Epilepsy in Port Harcourt.
Methodology: A purposive sampling method was employed. Participants were 37 children with epilepsy and their parents/caregivers. An interviewer-administered semi-structured questionnaire was used to obtain information on the socio-demographic, estimates of the financial costs of epilepsy care, the effect of caregiving on caregiver productivity and income.
Results: The average monthly income per family is $332.80 ± $116.82. The majority, 32(86.5%), financed epilepsy care via out-of-pocket payments. The average cost of epilepsy care is $66 per month ($792 per annum), accounting for 20% of the average family income. There was a negative correlation between hours spent on caregiving and household income (rho =-0.288; p-value = 0.084). Over two-thirds (67.6%) of the caregivers consider their overall well-being negatively affected by having a child with epilepsy.
Conclusion: The cost of care of childhood epilepsy in southern Nigeria is high and takes up a significant proportion of household income. Concerted efforts need to be made to encourage subscription to health insurance to alleviate the financial burdens on families.
References
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