Economic Burden of Stroke in Iran: A Population-Based Study

This study was conducted to estimate the annual societal costs in Iran associated with the treatment of ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke patients using a prevalence-based cost-of-illness framework.

A prevalence-based cost-of-illness framework was applied. Key model parameters included annual incidence of stroke; use of stroke therapies, medicines, and other medical care resources; work days missed; wage rates; and annual costs per patient. The outcomes measured were total societal costs, societal cost per year, and societal cost per patient-year.

For the studied 1940 patients, the economic burden of stroke in 2018 was roughly $4 081 124 in US dollars. Bearing in mind that there are about 100 000 cases of stroke, including new (35%) and old cases (65%) of 2 types of strokes, per year in Iran, the estimated economic impact is about $368 925 000. Lodging, medication, and consumables account for 69% of all direct medical costs ($299 959). The main cost factors were mortality costs (76.6%) and disability costs (14.7%).

The economic impact of stroke in Iran is considerable. The premature deaths and resulting disability from strokes accounted for the main productivity losses and all societal costs of stroke (approximately 91% of all costs). To control hypertension and decrease the burden of stroke, especially in elderly age groups, it is recommended that Iran look into how to focus on and expand healthy lifestyle choices.