Economic Burden Associated with Neurocysticercosis at a Tertiary Care Neurological Center in Nepal

Abstract

Introduction: Neurocysticercosis (NCC) is the most common parasitic disease of
the central nervous system and is a major cause of epilepsy and neurological
morbidity in humans in endemic areas of the world. This study was conducted
to estimate economic burden of the paients due to Neurocysticercosis arriving at
Tertiary Neurological center of Kathmandu,Nepal.
Methods: A cross sectional prospective study was conducted for 2 years among
the patients with NCC at Tertiary Neurological Center in Kathmandu. Patients
treatment plan and followup date were recorded and patient were categorized into
four different groups depending on the frequency of followup and completion of
treatment(Group 1 to Group 4). Direct and indirect cost centers were catagorised
and calculated accordingly. The cost was estimated in US dollar as of 2020.
Results: Out of 52 patients who were followed up completely for treatment,
majority of patient were from age group 21-30 years . The total cost incurred
for group 1, group 2, group 3 and group 4 were $468, $714, $ 1054 and $1986
respectively.The average cost per day for a patient with NCC was calculated to be
$1.5.
Conclusion: This study suggests that Neurocysticercosis results in considerable
monetary losses to patient in developing country like Nepal. The average loss of
each individual accounted for around one half of per day capita income of Nepal.
Various programs and poolicies shall be implemented to reduce the burden of
NCC so as to reduce the economic burden associated to it.