Evaluation of the direct cost of chronic viral hepatitis B in patients monitored at the hepato-gastroenterology department of the Yalgado OUEDRAOGO University Hospital.

Introduction: Chronic viral hepatitis B constitutes a public health problem due to its morbidity, mortality and economic consequences. To date, the direct costs incurred by patients for the treatment of this condition are not well documented. Our study aims to provide evidence on this cost in order to help facilitate patient care and optimize national hepatitis control policies.

Methodology: This is a cross-sectional study with analytical aims lasting one month. The study population consisted of patients followed in outpatient consultation in the hepato-gastroenterology department of the Yalgado OUEDRAOGO University Hospital Center (CHU-YO). We conducted a census of patients seen in consultation and meeting the inclusion criteria. Data were collected following direct interviews with patients and review of medical records. The determinants of the direct cost of chronic viral hepatitis B management were identified using linear regression.

Results: The mean direct cost incurred by patients on tenofovir treatment during the first three years of follow-up was 538,293 XOF with a 95% CI [466,005-610,581] and a standard deviation of 35,739 XOF. The mean direct cost incurred by patients without tenofovir treatment during the first three years of follow-up was 359,664 XOF (≈ 611.4 USD) with a 95% CI [331,276-388,052] XOF and a standard deviation of 14,323 XOF . The mean non-medical direct cost during the first three years of follow-up was 30,037 XOF (≈ 52.14 USD) with a 95% CI [22,498-37,575] XOF and a standard deviation of 3,815 XOF.

Conclusion: The cost of chronic viral hepatitis B treatment at CHU-YO is very high compared to patients' income. Laboratory and imaging tests constitute the bulk of patient care expenses. To facilitate patient monitoring in order to avoid or delay the occurrence of complications, it is necessary to implement financial protection mechanisms in health.