Resource utilization patterns in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Health Economics
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• The acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) epidemic presents a substantial challenge to healthcare systems globally, particularly in resource-limited settings.
• Resource utilization and cost analysis are critical for sustainable management of chronic diseases like AIDS.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate resource use patterns and cost factors associated with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) care.
• To analyze the economic impact of essential drug provision for AIDS patients in Uganda.

Main Methods:

• A survey was conducted in 1991 at Mulago Hospital, Kampala, Uganda, to assess resource use and cost factors in AIDS patient care.
• Data collection focused on outpatient and inpatient treatment episodes, specifically quantifying drug expenditures.

Main Results:

• Drugs accounted for 97% of mean care costs for outpatients and 37% for inpatients with AIDS.
• The cost per treatment episode was Ug.Sh.5785.00 for outpatients and Ug.Sh.8309.00 for inpatients (1991 exchange rate: US$1 = Ug.Sh.910.00).
• Essential drug provision for the growing number of AIDS patients could potentially consume Uganda's entire Ministry of Health budget.

Conclusions:

• High drug costs represent a major financial burden in AIDS care in Uganda.
• There is an urgent need to explore and implement cost-control strategies for essential drugs in AIDS management to ensure budget sustainability.