Socio-economic aspects of the management of chronic viral hepatitis in Côte-d’Ivoire

Context and objectives. Chronic viral hepatitis is a public health problem in Côte-d’Ivoire. A significant number of patients have little access to treatment due to the high costs of assessment and treatment. The objective of our study was to evaluate the costs of assessments and treatment of chronic viral hepatitis. Methods. This was an analytical cross-sectional observational study from March 1, 2019 to July 31, 2019 in the Hepato- Gastroenterology Consultation Service at the Yopougon University Hospital. The variables studied were socio-demographic and economic parameters. Results. 136 patients (men 53.6 %, average age 42 ± 12.2 years) were included. More than half of the patients (63.3 %) had a monthly income not exceeding 490.39 USD. The cost ofthe initial assessment was 223.13 USD and 351.14 USD for viral hepatitis B and C, respectively. Tenofovir and pegylated interferon were free of charge. Treatment with sofosbuvir + velpastavir cost 593.37 USD. The annual follow-up assessment was estimated at 237.02 USD for viral hepatitis B and 225.58 USD for viral hepatitis C. Conclusion. The assessment and treatment of chronic viral hepatitis have a cost that remains high for patients despite the universal health coverage.