The direct and indirect costs of osteoporosis in the Iranian population: an economic analysis from a social perspective.

Abstract

Background: Osteoporosis is a systemic skeletal disease and has a high prevalence in Iran. This study aimed to calculate the economic burden of osteoporosis in patients referred to the Shahid Motahari Clini in 2023.

Research design and methods: This was a cost-of-illness study conducted cross-sectionally from a societal perspective in Shiraz in 2023. Overall, 252 patients were examined through a census approach. Prevalence-based and bottom-up approach were employed. Cost data were obtained using information from patient record, as well as based on the patients' self-reports. The human capital approach was used to calculate the indirect costs.

Results: The annual cost of this disease per patient was $5,223 PPP. The largest share was attributed to direct medical costs (42.75%), with hospitalization costs accounting for the highest proportion of these expenses (53.93%). The shares of direct non-medical costs and indirect costs were 38.51% and 18.74%, respectively. Furthermore, the economic burden of the disease in the country for this year was estimated at $15,749,838,044 PPP.

Conclusions: According to the results, osteoporosis can impose a significant economic burden on society, the patients, and their families. It is recommended to manage treatment strategies, implement preventive measures, and use better insurance coverage for osteoporosis medications to reduce the costs.