ECONOMIC BURDEN OF SICKLE CELL DISEASE

Economic burden and quality of life of mental illness has helped defined the magnitude of their negative effects on the household, community and National economy. This study is aimed at assessing the economic burden and quality of life of mental illness among patients in low density ward, uselu Federal Neuro-psychiatric hospital, Benin-city. The Health Belief Model served as the theoretical study framework. The study used a descriptive cross sectional nonexperimental survey research design, the study was carried out among patients in low density ward in uselu Federal Neuro- psychiatric hospital, Benin-city. A sample size of 147 participants was determined using the Taro Yamane formula(N/1+N(e) ² which comprises of mentally ill patients receiving treatment in low density ward in uselu Federal Neuro-psychiatric hospital, Benin-city. Convenient sampling technique was used in selecting the respondents into the study. The instrument for data collection was well structured questionnaire developed by the researcher and validated by supervisor, a psychiatric nurse and other local experts. It consisted of 33 well structured questions, divided into four(4)sections; A contains socio-demographic information of the respondents contained direct medical cost of mental illness incurred by patients and household contained the indirect medical cost of mental illness and D contained the impact of mental illness on patients' quality of life. A 100% return rate was obtained. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 24.0 and descriptive statistics was used. A p value of p<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Ethical approval was obtained from the institution and participants were given informed consent to apprehend their signature. No statistically significant association existed between health insurance scheme and quality of life
(p>0.478). This study assessed the economic burden and quality of life of mental illness among patients in low density ward in uselu Federal Neuro-psychiatric hospital, Benin-city. The result shows that majority of the respondents have a fair level of quality of life. Government and multinational agencies should take concerted efforts to ensure reduced cost of treatment of mentally ill patients.

This study examined the economic burden of Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) and the payment coping mechanisms of patients receiving care at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Benin City, Nigeria. A descriptive cross-sectional survey design was employed, targeting sickle cell patients who attended the outpatient clinic and wards of UBTH. A sample size of 100 respondents was selected using simple random sampling from an estimated population of 118 patients. Data were collected using a structured, pretested questionnaire covering socio-demographic
characteristics, direct and indirect medical costs, socioeconomic cost distribution, and payment coping strategies. Validity of the instrument was ensured through expert review, and reliability was established via a test-retest method yielding a reliability coefficient of 0.85. Descriptive statistics such as frequency, percentages, means, and
standard deviation were used to analyze the data. Direct costs were calculated using the bottom-up approach, while indirect costs were assessed through the human capital approach. Inferential analysis was done using ANOVA and Chi-square tests to determine significant associations, with a significance level set at p < 0.05. Ethical approval was obtained, and patient confidentiality and voluntary participation were assured. The findings highlight the substantial economic burden SCD imposes on patients and the diverse strategies employed to cope with payment demands,
providing a basis for policy recommendations aimed at improving access to care and financial protection for individuals living with SCD