Dengue fever (DF) outbreaks occur intermittently in Vietnam, and the most recent epidemic happened in 2017. However, attempts to measure the burden of DF in relation to the quality of life and the cost of treatment for patients during an epidemic period are constrained. This study explored the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and the cost of illness among patients with dengue fever in Vietnam. A cross-sectional study was conducted in Bach Mai Hospital from September to November 2017. The EuroQol-5 dimensions-5 levels (EQ-5D-5L) was used to measure HRQOL. Cost-of illness was measured by collecting data about the direct medical cost, the non-medical cost, and the indirect cost. Among 225 patients, most of the participants experienced problems regarding mobility (62.3%), self-care (71.8%), usual activities (64.6%), and anxiety/depression (64.1%). The mean EQ-5D index was 0.66 (SD = 0.24). The median cost of illness for inpatient and outpatient groups were US $110.10 (IQR = US $4.40–1200.00) and US $36.10 (IQR = US $1.80–816.30), respectively. Indirect costs accounted for a major proportion in both groups. Lower-skilled workers and those with a higher severity of the disease had significantly lower HRQOL. Meanwhile, people who were inpatients, had comorbidities, had higher incomes, and who experienced a longer disease duration, had a higher cost of treatment. In conclusion, high costs and severe health deterioration, especially in psychological dimensions, were found in patients with DF in Vietnam. Strengthening primary health care services and communication campaigns are necessary to relieve the burden of diseases and could possibly contribute to effective DF control and prevention strategies.

Purpose This study aims to explore the sociodemographic differences in health-related quality of life (HRQOL) among Vietnamese patients with cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Methods A cross-sectional survey of 600 cardiovascular disease patients (300 inpatients and 300 outpatients) being treated at the Hanoi Heart Hospital was completed between July and December 2016. Data about HRQOL were collected by using the EuroQol-5 Dimensions-5 Levels (EQ-5D-5L) and EuroQOL-visual analogue scale (VAS). Sociodemographic characteristics were collected. A multivariate Tobit regression was used to detect the correlations between HRQOL and sociodemographic factors. Results Our sample had an average EQ-5D index of 0.82 (SD=0.21) and VAS score of 77.8 (SD=13.6). Participants were most likely to report problems in pain/discomfort (38.8%) and anxiety/depression (35.2%) and were least likely to report problems related to self-care (19.8%). Age and sex were strongly associated with the EQ-5D index and the VAS. Having health insurance and the number of hospital visits were negatively associated with HRQOL, while participation in the chronic disease management program had the positive relationship. Conclusions HRQOL among patients with CVD was moderately lower compared to the Vietnamese general population. Sociodemographic characteristics were strongly associated with HRQOL suggesting that addressing these inequalities should be prioritized in delivering services. Patients should also be encouraged to participate in the chronic disease management program due to its positive effects on quality of life.

BackgroundDespite existing efforts to provide antiretroviral treatment (ART) for all HIV-diagnosed people, stigma deprives them of the highest attainable health status and challenges the effectiveness of ART program in Vietnam. This study aimed to assess five dimensions of HIV-related stigma and explore its associated factors among ART patients in a multisite survey. Implications of this study support the development of HIV policies to improve patients’ access, utilization, and outcomes of ART program toward the 90-90-90 goal in Vietnam.MethodsA total of 1133 ART patients who were recruited by convenience sampling method from 8 ART clinics in Hanoi and Nam Dinh in a cross-sectional study from January to August 2013. Multivariate logistic regression was employed to identify factors associated with stigmatization.ResultsThe majority of participants reported experiencing stigmatization due to shame (36.9%), blame/judge (21.6%), and discrimination (23.4%). Further, 91.5% of participants disclosed their HIV status with others. The likelihood of experiencing stigmatization did not only associate with the patients’ socioeconomic status (e.g., age, occupation, education) and HIV status disclosure, but also their health problems. Those with anxiety or depression and perceived lower quality of life were more likely to experience stigma.ConclusionsTo maximize the efficiency of the ART program, it is essential to develop interventions that reduce stigma involving individuals, families, and communities, and recognize and address complex health problems especially those patients showing depressive symptoms. Increasing quality of life of HIV-positive patients by providing vocational training, financial, family, and peer support will reduce the likelihood of experiencing stigma.

IntroductionIn Vietnam, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are serious health issues, especially in the context of overload central heart hospitals, insufficient primary healthcare, and lack of customer-oriented care and treatment. Attempts to measure demand and willingness-to-pay (WTP) for different CVD treatments and care services have been limited. This study explored the preferences and WTP of patients with heart diseases for different home- and hospital-based services in Hanoi, Vietnam.MethodsA cross-sectional survey was performed at the Hanoi Heart Hospital from July to December 2017. A contingent valuation was adopted to determine the preferences of patients and measure their WTP. Interval regressions were employed to determine the potential predictors of patients’ WTP.ResultsHospital-based services were most preferred by patients, with demand ranging from 45.6% to 82.3% of total participants, followed by home-based (45.4%–45.8%) and administrative services (28.9%–34%). WTP for hospital-based services were in the range of US$ 9.8 (US$ 8.4–11.2)–US$ 21.9 (US$ 20.3–23.4), while figures for home-based and administrative services were US$ 9.8 (US$ 8.4–11.2)–US$ 22 (US$ 18.7–25.3) and 1.9 (US$ 1.6–2.2)–US$ 7.5 (US$ 6.3–8.6), respectively. Patients who lived in urban areas, were employed, were having higher level of education, and were not covered by health insurance were willing to pay more for services, especially home-based ones.ConclusionDemand and WTP for home-based services among heart disease patients were moderately low compared with hospital-based ones. There is a need for more policies supporting home-based services, better communication of services’ benefits to general public and patients, and introduction of services packages based on patients’ preferences.

PurposeThis study aimed to assess the antiretroviral therapy (ART) compliance among patients with HIV/AIDS and its associated factors in the context of universal ART initiation in Vietnam.Patients and methodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted in five ART clinics located in three provinces, such as Hanoi, Thanh Hoa, and Lao Cai, from July to September 2017. Overall, adherence to ART in the last month was measured using a 100-point Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Besides, information about forgetting doses in the last 4 days and delaying taking pills in the last 7 days was also reported.ResultsAmong 482 patients, the suboptimal adherence rate was 54.5%. Noncurrent smoking (coefficient =4.19, 95% CI 0.42–7.97), higher baseline CD4 count (coefficient =4.35, 95% CI 0.58–8.13), and no traveling difficulties (coefficient =6.17, 95% CI 2.27–10.06) were predictors of higher VAS adherence score. Suboptimal adherence was associated with mountainous residence (OR =5.34, 95% CI 2.81–10.16). Female respondents were less likely to delay taking pills in the last 7 days (OR =0.19, 95% CI 0.07–0.52).ConclusionOur study embraced early ART initiation in Vietnam; however, this approach should be parallel with appropriate resource allocation and service delivery.