Cost considerations of dermatological care in Jordan: a cross-sectional study

Physicians play a key role in improving patient adherence, specifically in dermatological care. Expensive medications are associated with poor patient adherence and worsening clinical outcomes. This study aims to explore the cost estimation interest of patients with dermatological conditions, the influence of the cost on their drug use behavior, and cost communication practices by dermatologists.

A cross-sectional study was conducted between October 2019 and January 2020 in Jordan. Logistic regression was conducted to explore the predictors of patient behavior.

A total of 1,022 patients participated in the study. Around 27.7% of them reported that their dermatologist does not discuss the cost of medications with them. About 71.4% reported that it is important for them to receive cost estimates for out of pocket medication costs. Patients with an income of 300 JD to 700 JD were more likely to be interested in cost estimations. Employed patients and males were less likely to be interested in cost estimations (p < 0.05).

There is a considerable proportion of dermatologists who do not adhere to communicate about cost with their patients. Such communication should be considered necessary with all patients to enhance adherence to their prescribed therapy.