Diabetes continues to strain the finances of individuals in Kaduna State, Nigeria, with uninsured patients facing a starkly higher risk of catastrophic health expenditures compared to their insured counterparts, a recent study reveals.
Significant Disparities in Health Expenditure
The comparative analysis, conducted on 500 diabetic patients, uncovered that 42% of those with health insurance endured catastrophic health expenditures (CHE), whereas a staggering 68% of uninsured patients experienced such financial burdens. The average age of insured participants stood at 50 years, slightly younger than the 53.7-year average observed among the uninsured.
Factors Influencing Catastrophic Costs
Several factors were identified as key contributors to CHE, including religious affiliation, occupation type, and the duration of diabetes. Patients belonging to specific religious groups were nearly twice as likely to incur CHE. Additionally, certain occupations significantly reduced the odds of experiencing catastrophic costs, and longer-term diabetes was associated with increased financial strain.
- Religious affiliation nearly doubles the risk of catastrophic health expenditures.
- Employment in certain sectors notably decreases the likelihood of facing CHE.
- Extended duration of diabetes correlates with higher financial burdens.
The findings underscore the critical role of health insurance in mitigating the financial impact of diabetes management. With a substantial difference in CHE incidence between insured and uninsured groups, access to affordable insurance emerges as a vital strategy in protecting diabetic patients from economic hardship.
To alleviate the financial strain on diabetic patients, especially those in the nonformal sector, the study advocates for enhanced health insurance coverage and the implementation of robust social safety nets by both Federal and State Governments. Such measures are imperative in ensuring that all diabetic individuals receive the necessary support to manage their condition without facing debilitating economic consequences.
Ensuring comprehensive insurance coverage can lead to better health outcomes and reduce the economic burden on households grappling with chronic illnesses like diabetes. Policymakers should prioritize expanding insurance schemes and tailoring them to address the unique needs of diabetic patients, thereby fostering a more equitable and sustainable healthcare system in Kaduna State and beyond.
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