[Evaluation of snakebite management cost at Saint Jean de Dieu Hospital in Tanguiéta, Benin].

Abstract

Introduction: Snakebite envenomations are a real public health problem in rural areas of sub-Saharan Africa, especially as the cost of management is often beyond the reach of the victims. The aim of our study was to evaluate the costs of treating snakebite envenomations at the Saint Jean de Dieu hospital in Tanguiéta, northern Benin, in a savannah area.

Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted over a three-month period from May 25 to August 25, 2023. Snakebite patients were followed from admission to hospital discharge. All care-related expenses incurred by patients and/or their families were accounted for on a daily basis.

Results: Fifty-seven patients were included. The median age (interquartile range) of the patients was 27 years (16-40), and the sex ratio was 1.6 (35 males and 22 females). In 81% of cases, the bites were associated with agricultural activities. Approximately 72% of the patients had sought traditional care before coming to the hospital. The median time from bite to admission was 7 hours (2-52) and the median hospital stay was 4 days (2-5). The median cost of care was €168 (154-242). It varied according to the severity of the bite: €31 for a dry bite (26-47); €179 for external bleeding (154-286). The only antivenom used was Inoserp™ PAN-AFRICA (Inosan Biopharma). Its average cost was €128 and was the main expense.

Conclusion: The cost of treating snakebite is high and dominated by the cost of antivenom. These economic constraints reinforce the vicious circle of poverty in an already vulnerable population. It is therefore important to find a financing mechanism for this treatment in the most exposed areas.