Multicenter, cross-sectional study of the economic burden of multiple sclerosis and cost-driving factors.

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurodegenerative disease impacting young adults, reducing quality of life and imposing economic burdens.

Objectives: This study estimated MS costs in Algeria from a societal perspective, analyzed cost variations by disease severity, and provided insights for enhancing MS management and healthcare planning.

Methods: A cross-sectional, bottom-up cost-of-illness study used a validated questionnaire to collect demographic, clinical, and socioeconomic data from MS patients. Data included disease-modifying therapy (DMT) use, MS course, and EDSS scores. Direct costs (medical and non-medical) and indirect costs (productivity losses from absenteeism and early retirement) were calculated. Cost drivers were analyzed using generalized linear models.

Results: Among 354 patients, the total annual societal cost per MS patient was $9,636.5 (95% CI: 9101.2 -10,178), with a mean EDSS score of 3.1 (SD 2.1). Direct costs accounted for 93.31%, with DMTs comprising 94.42% of direct medical costs. Costs rose with disease severity, from $8,697.9 (95% CI: 8060.9-9326.8) for mild MS to $12,450.8 (95% CI: 10137.2 -14,773.6) for severe MS (p < 0.001).

Conclusions: This study highlights MS's economic burden in Algeria, with DMTs as the primary cost driver. Optimized resource allocation and cost-effective DMT strategies are essential to improve MS care.