New infographic by @schcp.cl "Out-of-pocket costs and catastrophic healthcare expenditure for families of children requiring surgery in sub-Saharan Africa" Ava Yap et.al. Full article: https://gcmd.co/3Pyd8vh
Topic overview
Multi-country study of 2,296 families in sub-Saharan Africa found 40% experienced catastrophic healthcare expenditure from pediatric surgery despite median costs of only $60. Emergency cases, transfusions, and longer hospital stays increased financial burden, while insurance was protective.
Key takeaways
- 40% of families in sub-Saharan Africa incur catastrophic healthcare costs when their child requires surgery despite median cost of only $60.
- Economic burden extends beyond direct costs: 26% forfeit wages, 23% borrow money, 4% sell possessions, and 2% lose jobs due to child's surgery.
- Insurance coverage is protective (OR 0.22) against catastrophic expenditure, suggesting policy target for universal healthcare expansion.
- Emergency cases, transfusions, reoperations, antibiotics, and longer hospital stays significantly increase risk of catastrophic costs.
- Older children have higher likelihood of catastrophic expenditure, possibly due to intensive resource use and reduced insurance coverage.
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