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Updated: Sep 14, 2025
A Method of Trigonometric Modelling of Seasonal Variation Demonstrated with Multiple Sclerosis Relapse Data
Published on: December 9, 2015
Multicenter, cross-sectional study of the economic burden of multiple sclerosis and cost-driving factors
Moustafa Berrichi1, Zahira Barka-Bedrane2, Ahlam Osmani1
1Department of Pharmacy, University of Tlemcen, Tlemcen, Algeria.
Background:
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurodegenerative disease impacting young adults, reducing quality of life and imposing economic burdens.
Objectives:
This study estimated MS costs in Algeria from a societal perspective, analyzed cost variations by disease severity, and provided insights for enhancing MS management and healthcare planning.
Methods:
A cross-sectional, bottom-up cost-of-illness study used a validated questionnaire to collect demographic, clinical, and socioeconomic data from MS patients. Data included disease-modifying therapy (DMT) use, MS course, and EDSS scores. Direct costs (medical and non-medical) and indirect costs (productivity losses from absenteeism and early retirement) were calculated. Cost drivers were analyzed using generalized linear models.
Results:
Among 354 patients, the total annual societal cost per MS patient was $9,636.5 (95% CI: 9101.2 -10,178), with a mean EDSS score of 3.1 (SD 2.1). Direct costs accounted for 93.31%, with DMTs comprising 94.42% of direct medical costs. Costs rose with disease severity, from $8,697.9 (95% CI: 8060.9-9326.8) for mild MS to $12,450.8 (95% CI: 10137.2 -14,773.6) for severe MS (p < 0.001).
Conclusions:
This study highlights MS's economic burden in Algeria, with DMTs as the primary cost driver. Optimized resource allocation and cost-effective DMT strategies are essential to improve MS care.
