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Economic burden of cardiovascular diseases in China
1Lecturer of Health Economics, Department of Health Policy & Management, School of Public Health, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100081, PR China. lyang@hsc.pku.edu.cn.
Insights
Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) impose a significant economic burden in China. In 2003, direct costs reached 209 billion Yuan, highlighting the need for increased investment in CVD prevention.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Health Economics
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are a leading cause of death and disability in China's middle-aged and elderly populations.
- The economic impact of CVD on individuals and society requires thorough investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To estimate the direct costs associated with cardiovascular diseases (CVD) in China for the year 2003.
- To analyze these costs based on demographic factors, medical conditions, and insurance coverage.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from the 2003 National Health Services Survey.
- Calculated direct medical and non-medical costs for urban and rural populations.
- Assessed the proportion of costs covered by medical insurance.
Main Results:
- The total direct cost of CVD in China in 2003 was estimated at 209.0 billion Yuan (US$26.1 billion).
- Average annual direct costs varied between urban (4,392.2 Yuan) and rural (2,718.9 Yuan) areas.
- Medical insurance covered a limited percentage of outpatient (23.9%) and inpatient (35.2%) costs.
Conclusions:
- CVD represents a substantial economic burden in China.
- Current medical insurance schemes provide insufficient financial support for CVD-related expenses.
- Increased investment in CVD prevention strategies is crucial to mitigate future economic impacts.
Abstract:
Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) have become the principle cause of death and disability among the middle-aged and elderly both in urban and rural areas of China. The objective of this study is to estimate the direct costs of CVD in China. Direct costs were estimated for the Chinese population with CVD in 2003 by sex, age, geography, type of medical condition and medical insurance, and then calculated based on the 2003 National Health Services Survey. The annual average direct medical cost and direct nonmedical cost were 4238.3 Yuan (US$529.8) and 153.9 Yuan (US$19.2) in urban areas, 2302.5 Yuan (US$278.1) and 416.4 Yuan (US$50.3) in rural areas, respectively. On average, only 23.9% of outpatient costs and 35.2% in-patient costs could be paid by various kinds of medical insurance. This disease burden led to 209.0 billion Yuan (US$26.1 billion) in direct costs in 2003. The strong positive association between CVD, and the economic burden to families and society, demonstrates the need for greater investment to prevent CVD in China.
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