Perception of cost of illness among chronically ill people

Abstract

Objective: To describe the profile and Perception of cost of illness among people with chronic disease and to identify the correlations between the reported cost and the socio-demographic and care variables of the patient. Material and Method: A quantitative, cross-sectional, descriptive, correlational study conducted with a sample of 240 people with chronic disease in three healthcare institutions. The Cost of illness perception was measured using the instrument Chronic Disease Burden for the Patient GCPC-UN and a characterization survey for the socio-demographic variables of the participants. For the data analysis, descriptive statistics were used and the Spearman’s Rho to identify correlations. Results: Regarding perception of cost, it was found that there is a greater impact on the disease in the Physical discomfort of the patient, followed by the impact on Sociocultural and family aspects and, finally, on Emotional and spiritual suffering. Cost of illness was related to age (r =-.173; p = 0.007), time with disease (r =-.182; p = 0.005) and the number of hours of daily care (r = .357; p = 0.000). Conclusion: People with chronic disease show Cost of illness mainly related to the Physical discomfort that it generates. There is a relationship between Cost of illness and socio-demographic variables such as age, time with disease and hours of daily care. Healthcare professionals should thus pay attention to the comprehensive care of patients with chronic disease in all its dimensions.