Average out-of-pocket healthcare and work-loss costs of traffic injuries in Karachi, Pakistan

Abstract

The objective of this study was to assess the average out-of-pocket healthcare and work-loss costs of road traffic injuries (RTI) in Karachi. In this cross-sectional study, RTI patients presenting to the five trauma centres in Karachi were contacted using stratified sampling to report their inpatient and outpatient expenses, the time spent in hospital and their average monthly income. These costs were compared among different categories of patient-related variables using analysis of variance test. Out of 341 RTI victims, two wheelers accounted for the majority of injuries (77.2%, N = 256) followed by pedestrians (14.2%, N = 48). Almost half of the sample patients were breadwinners (N = 135, 45.2%), with 87.4% (N = 118) earning less than US$ 248. Average out-of-pocket healthcare costs were US$ 271 (SD = 440.9), which were significantly higher (P ≤ 0.026) for pedestrians (US$ 442), moderate (US$ 341.7) or severe (US$ 553.8) injury, and treatment in private hospitals (US$ 451.7). Similarly, average work loss was US$ 67.1 (SD = 132.1), which were significantly higher (P = 0.001) for breadwinners (US$ 99.1), moderate (US$ 130.0) or severe (US$ 157.1) injury, and treatment in private hospitals (US$ 150.0). Study results clearly showed the need to advocate RTI prevention measures in Pakistan as any such event could lead to a difficult economic situation for those involved and their family.

The challenges of injuries and trauma in Pakistan: An opportunity for concerted action

“…8 A recent study on cost of road traffic injury showed an average out of pocket expense on health care of USD 271 (SD:441) and an average loss of work of about USD 67 (SD:132), with a greater loss among victims who were the breadwinners. 20 The average health care cost was greater than average monthly household income in more than 80% of cases. 20 …”

“…20 The average health care cost was greater than average monthly household income in more than 80% of cases. 20 …”

Cost of injury care in India: cross-sectional analysis of National Sample Survey 2014

“…Also, the study captured cost of care during hospitalisation and up to 12 months postdischarge. Similarly, studies done in other South East Asia Region countries such as in India, Bangladesh,21 Pakistan15 and Vietnam22 have reported OOP expenditure in the range US$300–400. However, these studies focused on persons who had been in road traffic injuries which usually lead to severe injuries.…”

RTA Analysis & Existing Modelling for Emergency Medical Service

“…The Korangi Town has many important place for commercial activities, having many industries which one important industrial place known as K. I. T. E. (Korangi Industrial Trading Estate). This town consists of complex road networks resulting maximum number of RTAs, while vulnerable road user group especially in industrial area becomes a major cause of death [25][26][27][28][29][30][31][32]. The victims' record (information) is confirmed from RTI surveillance program (Karachi).…”