An Evaluation of the Cost of Treatment for Low-Back Pain Among Patients Attending Public Healthcare Facilities in Nigeria
Author(s)
Francis Fatoye, BSc, MBA, MSc, PhD1, Chidozie Emmanuel Mbada, PhD1, Blessing Disi, MSc2, Teslim Onigbinde, MSc3, Tadesse Gebrye, MPH, MSc1, Bashir Bello, PhD4, Ushotanefe Useh, PhD5.
1Department of Health Professions, Faculty of Health and Education, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, United Kingdom, 2Department of Medical Rehabilitation, College of Health Sciences, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria, 3Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Medical Rehabilitation, University of Medical Sciences, Ondo, Nigeria, 4BAYERO UNIVERSITY, Kano, Nigeria, 5Lifestyle Diseases, Faculty of Health Sciences, North West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa.
1Department of Health Professions, Faculty of Health and Education, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, United Kingdom, 2Department of Medical Rehabilitation, College of Health Sciences, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria, 3Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Medical Rehabilitation, University of Medical Sciences, Ondo, Nigeria, 4BAYERO UNIVERSITY, Kano, Nigeria, 5Lifestyle Diseases, Faculty of Health Sciences, North West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa.
OBJECTIVES: The significant societal and economic impact of low-back pain (LBP) is well-documented. However, the individual economic burden, particularly in terms of direct payment of money in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), remains underexplored, and this study aimed to assess the direct and indirect costs of LBP for individuals in Nigeria.
METHODS: The economic burden of LBP was estimated using the cost-of-illness approach from a societal perspective. Direct costs were calculated based on medical and non-medical resources utilised during the previous three months. Indirect costs were analysed from the perspective of lost productivity due to work absence. Data were collected from 171 patients attending six purposively selected tertiary-level public health facilities in South-West Nigeria, using a patient cost questionnaire to gather relevant information. All costs are based on the 2021 financial year.
RESULTS: The respondents, consisting of 40.9% males and 59.1% females, participated in this study, ranging from 20 to 89 years. About 20.5% of the patients had hospital admissions related to LBP. The average direct cost for prescribed medications per month was ₦2,617.83 (US$6.39) ± ₦7,027.02 (US$17.13). In comparison, the mean cost for unprescribed medications was ₦1,069.33 (US$2.61) ± ₦7,058 (US$17.21) The total amount spent for physiotherapy services ranged from no cost to a maximum of ₦60,000 (US$146.34) for 10 sessions. The weekly indirect costs for caregivers varied from ₦29,250 (US$71.34) to ₦58,500 (US$142.68).
CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the significant direct and indirect economic burden of LBP on individuals in Nigeria. These findings underscore the need for policy interventions to address the economic challenges faced by individuals living with LBP, especially in LMICs.
METHODS: The economic burden of LBP was estimated using the cost-of-illness approach from a societal perspective. Direct costs were calculated based on medical and non-medical resources utilised during the previous three months. Indirect costs were analysed from the perspective of lost productivity due to work absence. Data were collected from 171 patients attending six purposively selected tertiary-level public health facilities in South-West Nigeria, using a patient cost questionnaire to gather relevant information. All costs are based on the 2021 financial year.
RESULTS: The respondents, consisting of 40.9% males and 59.1% females, participated in this study, ranging from 20 to 89 years. About 20.5% of the patients had hospital admissions related to LBP. The average direct cost for prescribed medications per month was ₦2,617.83 (US$6.39) ± ₦7,027.02 (US$17.13). In comparison, the mean cost for unprescribed medications was ₦1,069.33 (US$2.61) ± ₦7,058 (US$17.21) The total amount spent for physiotherapy services ranged from no cost to a maximum of ₦60,000 (US$146.34) for 10 sessions. The weekly indirect costs for caregivers varied from ₦29,250 (US$71.34) to ₦58,500 (US$142.68).
CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the significant direct and indirect economic burden of LBP on individuals in Nigeria. These findings underscore the need for policy interventions to address the economic challenges faced by individuals living with LBP, especially in LMICs.
Conference/Value in Health Info
2025-11, ISPOR Europe 2025, Glasgow, Scotland
Value in Health, Volume 28, Issue S2
Code
EE48
Topic
Economic Evaluation, Epidemiology & Public Health, Health Service Delivery & Process of Care
Topic Subcategory
Cost/Cost of Illness/Resource Use Studies
Disease
Musculoskeletal Disorders (Arthritis, Bone Disorders, Osteoporosis, Other Musculoskeletal)