Cost of Illness of COVID-19 and Its Consequences on Health and Economic System

Abstract

The outbreak of COVID-19 has had destructive influences on social and economic systems as well as many aspects of human life. In this study, we aimed to estimate the economic effects of COVID-19 at the individual and societal levels during a fiscal year. This cost of illness analysis was used to estimate the economic burden of COVID-19 in Iran. Data of the COVID-19 patients referred to the hospitals affiliated to Bushehr University of Medical Sciences in 2021 were collected through the Hospital Information System (HIS). The study methodology was based upon the human capital approach and bottom-up technique. The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in 9711 confirmed hospital cases and 717 deaths in Bushehr province during the study period. The direct and indirect costs were estimated to be $1446.06 and $3081.44 per patient. The economic burden for the province and country was estimated to be $43.97 and $2680.88 million. The results showed that the economic burden of this disease particularly premature death costs is remarkably high. Therefore, in order to increase the resiliency of the health system and the stability in service delivery, preventive-oriented strategies have to be more seriously considered by policymakers.

Productivity Loss of Temporary Work Absenteeism Due to COVID-19 and Its Determinant Factors in Northeastern Iran

“…Our study found that COVID-19 has increased the indirect (absenteeism) costs of patients, which is consistent with the results of other studies in this regard 15–18 . The study by Faramarzi et al 7 on 1958 healthcare workers also reported a significant increase in absenteeism costs due to COVID-19.…”

“…7,[15][16][17] Our study found that COVID-19 has increased the indirect (absenteeism) costs of patients, which is consistent with the results of other studies in this regard. [15][16][17][18] The study by Faramarzi et al 7 on 1958 healthcare workers also reported a significant increase in absenteeism costs due to COVID-19. A study by Maltezou et al 16 in Greece also reported that COVID-19 has increased the work absenteeism cost of healthcare personnel.…”

“…15 The magnitude of these costs indicates that the COVID-19 pandemic has indeed put a heavy financial burden on the country's healthcare system by reducing the effectiveness and efficiency of activities in the health sector, causing mortality, and shutting down businesses and tourism. 7,[15][16][17] Our study found that COVID-19 has increased the indirect (absenteeism) costs of patients, which is consistent with the results of other studies in this regard. [15][16][17][18] The study by Faramarzi et al 7 on 1958 healthcare workers also reported a significant increase in absenteeism costs due to COVID-19.…”

“…Another study estimated this cost at $22847 15 . The magnitude of these costs indicates that the COVID-19 pandemic has indeed put a heavy financial burden on the country’s healthcare system by reducing the effectiveness and efficiency of activities in the health sector, causing mortality, and shutting down businesses and tourism 7,15–17 …”

“…This can be done in a variety of ways such as discharge planning, care strategizing, periodic audits to identify and prevent care delays, use of checklists for admission planning, and identifying appropriate referral physicians. In addition to reducing the cost of hospitalization, such interventions can reduce the incidence of infections and make the limited resources available to a greater number of patients 1,4,7,15–17,20–22 …”