|
Authors:
Basil .T.O, Balarabe S.A, Sheka G.I , Muhammad I.A., Nigeria
|
|
Abstract:
Background:
Odontalgia is one of the most traumatic experiences and main reason for dental treatment seeking behavior globally hence constitutes public health concern. The resultant undesirable situationsnegatively impact the quality of life of individual and community at large. Individuals experiencing toothache use a combination of self-care; non-prescription medicines, home remedies, and formal care strategies which impact on the economy of the individuals, families and the society. The financial burden differs disproportionately between the insured and uninsured individuals, families, communities, insurance companies, and government both in developed and developing economic countries.
Objective:
This paper sought to analyse the direct and indirect cost-of-illness in management of patients presenting with toothache at a tertiary healthcare facility in Kano State.
Materials and Methods:
A retrospective cross-sectional study of patients aged 21-60 years treated for toothache in September 2016 at the Dental Clinic of Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano was conducted.
Results:
A total of 191 patients accessed treatment; 71(37.1%) males and 120 (62.9%) females (M/F 1:1.71),mean age;38.53 years, 66(34.6%) insured, 125(65.4%) uninsured. The total direct medical cost was N 1,315,145:00k; N 205,895:00k (N 3,119.62k/patient) insured and N 1,109,250:00k (N 8,874.00k/patient) uninsured. The direct non-medical and indirect cost were N 57,050:00k and N 124,200:00k respectively. The estimated economic cost-of illness was N 1,496,395:00k with an average cost ofN 7,834.53k.
Conclusion:
Toothache was more prevalent in the third and fourth decades of life with the uninsured bearing huge financial risk with consequent tooth fatality. Comparatively, the insured patient accessed more of preventive and restorative care than tooth extraction. Hence, the National Health Insurance Scheme can be modified to protect the larger population from huge financial treatment burden.
|
