ASSESSING THE ECONOMIC COST (QALY AND ACUR) OF OBESITY IN THE BAMENDA MUNICIPALITY OF THE NORTH WEST REGION OF CAMEROON

Abstract

Introduction: Five people die every minute, 75 people every 15minutes and 7.671 persons each day from obesity-related complications in the world (WHO, 2014). Overweight and obesity are the fifth leading risks for global deaths (WHO, 2014).  In June 2013, the American Medical Association recognized obesity as a disease (WHO, 2014. In Cameroon, the obesity figures stood at 9.6% second in CEMAC after Gabon which was 15% in 2014 (WHO 2014). In addition, 44% of the diabetes burden, 23% of the hypertension burden and between 7% and 41% of certain cancer burdens and 60% of Cardiovascular Disease in Cameroon were attributable to overweight and obesity in that same year (WHO, 2014).Purpose: This study purports to calculate the obesity QALY and ACUR and to scrutinize the effect of obesity on mobility index and age at death in the North West region of Cameroon.Methodology: To calculate the QALY and ACUR, data was collected secondary source making up 149 individuals aged 50 and above who died in the Bamenda general hospital from obesity related illnesses between 2016 and 2018. To generate the mobility index, we issued and corrected the EQ-5D-5L questionnaire for testing quality of life to238 individuals in the Bamenda Municipality. To ensure the reliability of the instrument, Pre-tests were conducted. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for the calculation of QALY.Findings: The Average cost utility ratios’ (ACURs) show that obesity treatment in the Bamenda Municipality will result in a 0.275 QALYs gained and monthly ACURs of $3,578.18/QALY. It also shows that obesity significantly and negatively influences mobility index and age at death. We thus conclude that obesity incurred major economic cost.Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: Policy wise, the “2M (Mentality and Motivation) concept” of obesity treatment is recommended as major contributions to theory, practice and policy. This will lead to a change in the perception and motivation toward treating obesity.