sultana-distributionanddeterminants-2017.pdf (502.15 kB)
Distribution and determinants of out-of-pocket healthcare expenditures in Bangladesh
journal contribution
posted on 2017-01-01, 00:00 authored by R A Mahumud, A R Sarker, Marufa SultanaMarufa Sultana, Z Islam, J Khan, A MortonObjectives: As in many low-income and middle-income countries, out-of-pocket (OOP) payments by patients or their families are a key healthcare financing mechanism in Bangladesh that leads to economic burdens for households. The objective of this study was to identify whether and to what extent socioeconomic, demographic, and behavioral factors of the population had an impact on OOP expenditures in Bangladesh. Methods: A total of 12 400 patients who had paid to receive any type of healthcare services within the previous 30 days were analyzed from the Bangladesh Household Income and Expenditure Survey data, 2010. We employed regression analysis for identify factors influencing OOP health expenditures using the ordinary least square method. Results: The mean total OOP healthcare expenditures was US dollar (USD) 27.66; while, the cost of medicines (USD 16.98) was the highest cost driver (61% of total OOP healthcare expenditure). In addition, this study identified age, sex, marital status, place of residence, and family wealth as significant factors associated with higher OOP healthcare expenditures. In contrary, unemployment and not receiving financial social benefits were inversely associated with OOP expenditures. Conclusions: The findings of this study can help decision-makers by clarifying the determinants of OOP, discussing the mechanisms driving these determinants, and there by underscoring the need to develop policy options for building stronger financial protection mechanisms. The government should consider devoting more resources to providing free or subsidized care. In parallel with government action, the development of other prudential and sustainable risk-pooling mechanisms may help attract enthusiastic subscribers to community-based health insurance schemes
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Journal
Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public HealthVolume
50Issue
2Pagination
91 - 99Publisher
Korean Society for Preventive MedicineLocation
Busan, Republic of KoreaPublisher DOI
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1975-8375Language
engPublication classification
C1 Refereed article in a scholarly journalUsage metrics
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