WORLD JOURNAL OF ADVANCE
HEALTHCARE RESEARCH

*Nibras Raheem Mohammed and Prof. Dr. Faris Hassan Al-Lami

ABSTRACT

Background: Diabetes mellitus in Iraq is a major health problem in all socioeconomic classes and is well recognized as a significant economic burden to diabetic patients and their families, in addition to the burden on the country’s resources due to its long-term course and complications. Objectives of the study: To assess the economic burden of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus on patients attending Al-Mustansiriya University National Diabetes Center and on their families, and to explore the factors associated with the economic burden of the disease. Patients and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at Al- Mustansiriya University National Diabetes Center. 397 patients with type 2 diabetes were interviewed. Data regarding sociodemographic characteristics, characteristics of the disease, and cost of illness were obtained. Results: The median annual expenditure of diabetes care was about 590,000 ID (about USD 390) per patient. the direct medical cost was the largest contributor accounting for 96.1% of the total cost (medications represent the highest median and total cost), followed by the direct non-medical cost which only represented 3.2%. While the indirect cost represented 0.7% of the total cost. The indirect cost included the loss of income of subjects or their caregivers due to absence from work. Conclusion: Diabetes has a significant financial burden on diabetics and their families, especially those who take treatment from private sources, and the complications of diabetes increase the financial burden on the patients as they increase.