Project Materials

ECONOMIC BURDEN OF CANCER AND PAYMENT COPING MECHANISM

ABSTRACT

The economic burden of cancer and the stress of payment necessitate that health care providers provide high-quality, cost-effective care that shortens patients’ hospital stays and reduces the frequency of visits to health institutions. This study looked on the economic impact on cancer patients and payment coping mechanisms at Jos University Teaching Hospital in Plateau State. Four objectives and two hypotheses were proposed to guide the investigation. The cost-of-illness paradigm was utilised to determine the economic hardship of cancer patients and payment coping mechanisms. The study was conducted using a cross-sectional descriptive survey design. A sample of 179 cancer patients was picked consecutively from an estimated population of 276 who visited the hospital in one year. Data were analysed descriptively using frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations. Chi-square was used to investigate the relationship between socioeconomic groups and cancer patients’ payment coping techniques, as well as the cost distributions among different socioeconomic groups. The majority of respondents were ranked among the poorest; the mean monthly total income of the patients is N65,978.74 + 104,036.97; the mean monthly total expenses is N43,916.28 + 56,070.33; the mean monthly patients’ expenditure is N43,916.28 + 56,070.33; the mean total annual loss was N217,515.19 + 798,708.95; the mean patients’ annual loss as a percentage of their mean annual income is 11.38 + 19.13%, while as a percentage of their mean annual expenditure was 50.06 + 421.98. There was a significant difference in the cost distribution of different socio-economic groups in terms of monthly patients’ total income, monthly earnings of accompanying patients, patients’ monthly loss, accompanying persons’ monthly loss, total monthly loss, patients’ annual loss, accompanying persons’ annual loss, and total annual loss (P < 0.05). The majority of patients (78.8%) used their own money as a coping method. Cancer patients’ payment coping mechanisms (borrowed money/loan, land sales) differed significantly across socioeconomic categories (P < 0.05). There is a need for the government to assist by subsidising cancer treatments. There is a need to establish a strong cancer association in Plateau State so that cancer patients can pool their resources and provide significant social support for themselves.

Chapter one

INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

Cancer is the world’s second biggest cause of mortality and disability, behind heart disease (Mathers & Lancer, 2006). It is a major public health concern and carries a significant illness burden.

According to the most recent and comprehensive data available, cancer accounts for one out of every eight fatalities each year (Mathers & Lancer, 2006).

Cancer incidence and death rates remain much higher in underdeveloped countries, including Nigeria (Boyle & Levin, 2008). It causes more deaths than HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria combined (Okoye, 2010).

Cancer is a group of diseases defined by the uncontrolled growth and spread of aberrant cells. It affects many regions of the body, and the cancer’s name is based on whatever part is affected. It is a global sickness that depletes resources. The global cost of cancer treatment is reported to be considerable.

According to records, rich countries spend more on cancer treatment than developing countries; for example, in the United States, the economic burden from cancer is $895 billion, about 20% higher than the toll from heart disease ($753 billion) (John & Ross, 2009).

Lung, colorectal, and breast cancers are responsible for the highest worldwide expenses and the greatest burden in industrialised nations.

In low-income nations, the most common cancers include mouth and oropharyngeal cancer, cervix cancer, breast and prostate cancer (John & Rose, 2009).