Out-of-pocket Healthcare Costs of COPD Exacerbation Episodes: A Hidden Cost and Growing Strain on Family Budgets

Introduction: Acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) appears to be the main reason for hospitalization among chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients. This study aimed to evaluate the substantial economic burden of COPD in terms of out-of-pocket costs (OOPCs) among COPD patients.

Methods: This study consisted of 67 consenting patients with AECOPD. A cross-sectional study was performed via convenience sampling. Data were gathered based on per episode of exacerbation and the calculation of OOPCs was done based on direct and indirect costs.

Results: This study showed that the mean length of hospital stay for four severity levels (according to GOLD guidelines) was 3.4, 7.2, 10.3 and 14.1 days, respectively. The mean OOPCs per episode of exacerbation according to the severity level were 139.1, 153.3, 171.4 and 365.8 USD, respectively.

Conclusion: Impacts of OOPCs regarding AECOPD episodes on healthcare resources are worthy of attention. Cost estimation from patients’ perspective especially OOPCs estimation is important in decision and policy-making to improve healthcare states of a population.