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Socioeconomic implications of Buruli ulcer in Ghana: a three-year review
Insights
Buruli ulcer treatment in Ghana incurs significant socioeconomic costs, particularly for children, necessitating urgent control and research for early detection and intervention.
Area of Science:
- Medical Microbiology
- Public Health
- Tropical Medicine
Background:
- Buruli ulcer is a neglected tropical disease caused by Mycobacterium ulcerans.
- It primarily affects the skin and can lead to severe deformities and disabilities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the socioeconomic costs associated with Buruli ulcer treatment.
- To highlight the disease's impact on patient demographics and treatment outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 102 Buruli ulcer cases treated between 1994-1996.
- Data collection on patient demographics, hospitalization duration, treatment complications, and costs.
Main Results:
- Children constituted 70% of cases; no sex predilection observed.
- Prolonged hospital stays (average 102-186 days) and severe complications including amputations and vision loss occurred.
- Average treatment costs ranged from $658.74 to $966.85 per patient, with a high proportion of indirect costs.
Conclusions:
- Buruli ulcer imposes substantial economic burdens and severe health consequences.
- Urgent need for enhanced control strategies, research for early detection, and effective treatment is emphasized.
Abstract:
This study examines some of the socioeconomic cost of treating 102 cases of Buruli ulcer between 1994 and 1996 at the St. Martin's Catholic Hospital in Agroyesum in the Amansie West district of the Ashanti region of Ghana. Seventy percent of the cases were children (up to 15 years of age). There was no sex difference in the distribution of cases. Hospitalization was prolonged (average = 186 days in 1994, 103 days in 1995, and 102 days in 1996) with no significant age and sex differences. There were 10 limb amputations, 12 patients were left with contracture deformities, one patient lost sight in one eye, and two died of sepsis and tetanus. The average total treatment cost per patient was $966.85 (62% indirect) in 1994, $706.08 (75% indirect) in 1995, and $658.74 (79% indirect) in 1996. With increasing number of cases, high treatment costs, and serious complications, urgent attention should be given to the disease in terms of control and research efforts aimed at early detection and treatment.