The role of demographic and epidemiologic transitions on growing health expenditures in Latin America and the Caribbean: a descriptive study

IF 7 Q1 HEALTH CARE SCIENCES & SERVICES

Lancet Regional Health-Americas Pub Date : 2025-04-01 DOI:10.1016/j.lana.2025.101070

Yvonne N. Flores , Timothy Roberton , Marisol Torres Toledano , Carla Jorge Machado , Angélica López Hernández , Claudio A. García Mora , Daniel Maceira , Caitlin M. Noonan , Andrea M. Prado , T. Alafia Samuels , Andrés I. Vecino Ortiz , Angela Vega Landaeta , Krishna D. Rao

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Background

Many countries in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) have undergone significant economic, demographic, and epidemiological changes. We examined the role of these factors on the growth of health expenditures in several LAC countries.

Methods

Demographic data, disease prevalence, and proportion of current health expenditure (CHE) per capita, by expenditure type, were obtained for several LAC countries. Health expenditure matrices were created for the years 2018 or 2019, disaggregated by age group and ICD-10 Chapter, for seven index countries (Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Mexico, Peru, and Trinidad and Tobago).

Findings

Uruguay has largest population over 70 years (11%, n = 378,501), while Honduras has lowest (2.3%, n = 236,783). Barbados and Chile have the greatest proportion of total DALYs due to chronic diseases (>80%), while Bolivia and Guatemala have the lowest (60%). Per capita CHE is lowest in Honduras (<$500) and highest in Panama ($2500). CHE is highest among the 85+ age group, and for circulatory, respiratory, and digestive diseases.

Interpretation

Important differences were observed in health care spending by disease category and age group. Given the ongoing demographic and epidemiological transitions in LAC, health care spending in the area is expected to increase.

Funding

This study was funded by the Inter-American Development Bank.

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来源期刊

Lancet Regional Health-Americas Multiple-

CiteScore

8.00

自引率

0.00%

发文量

期刊介绍： The Lancet Regional Health – Americas, an open-access journal, contributes to The Lancet's global initiative by focusing on health-care quality and access in the Americas. It aims to advance clinical practice and health policy in the region, promoting better health outcomes. The journal publishes high-quality original research advocating change or shedding light on clinical practice and health policy. It welcomes submissions on various regional health topics, including infectious diseases, non-communicable diseases, child and adolescent health, maternal and reproductive health, emergency care, health policy, and health equity.