Burden of Schizophrenia on the Brazilian Public Healthcare System: A Cost and Service Analysis
Author(s)
Carlos F. Salgado De Santana, Sr., PharmD1, Gustavo Fattobene, MD1, Leon Nascimento, Ph.D.2, Nicolis Araujo, BSC2, Isabelle Velloso, MD2.
1Boehringer Ingelheim Brazil, São Paulo, Brazil, 2FIRJAN, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
1Boehringer Ingelheim Brazil, São Paulo, Brazil, 2FIRJAN, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
OBJECTIVES: This study aims to evaluate the direct costs incurred by Brazil's public healthcare system (SUS) in the treatment of schizophrenia and analyze the types of healthcare services provided across different states in relation to their population size.
METHODS: Data were extracted and analyzed from DATASUS, a comprehensive database that consolidates national healthcare production and service information from the Brazilian public health system. The study covered lhe period between 2017 and 2023, focusing on outpatient and hospital care associated with schizophrenia, identified by occurrence of ICD-10 F20. The dataset was evaluated to assess healthcare expenditure, and service distribution. Analyses were conducted using IBGE population data adjusted for each state and/or region to evaluate the efficient utilization of healthcare resources available in each locality.
RESULTS: Between 2017 and 2023, a total of 15.84 million outpatient visits and 477 thousand hospital admissions were related to schizophrenia, amounting to BRL898 million in direct costs, with an average annual expenditure of BRL128 million. São Paulo recorded the highest absolute spending, totaling BRL200 million. However, when adjusted for population, Federal District presented the highest per capita expenditure with BRL33.90. The average number of consultations per patient was 34.53 during the period, equating to approximately five visits per year. São Paulo also had the highest number of cases (101,154 patients), while Sergipe exhibited the highest patient density, with 482 patients per 100,000 inhabitants.
CONCLUSIONS: The results highlight the considerable burden that schizophrenia imposes on Brazil's public healthcare system. Despite SUS having a robust structure essential for ensuring nationwide coverage in line with its principies of universality and equity, there is a pressing need to expand understanding of the magnitude of investments in mental health treatment, particularly schizophrenia. Such insights can foster the development of targeted strategies to optimize resource management and implement effective public policies.
METHODS: Data were extracted and analyzed from DATASUS, a comprehensive database that consolidates national healthcare production and service information from the Brazilian public health system. The study covered lhe period between 2017 and 2023, focusing on outpatient and hospital care associated with schizophrenia, identified by occurrence of ICD-10 F20. The dataset was evaluated to assess healthcare expenditure, and service distribution. Analyses were conducted using IBGE population data adjusted for each state and/or region to evaluate the efficient utilization of healthcare resources available in each locality.
RESULTS: Between 2017 and 2023, a total of 15.84 million outpatient visits and 477 thousand hospital admissions were related to schizophrenia, amounting to BRL898 million in direct costs, with an average annual expenditure of BRL128 million. São Paulo recorded the highest absolute spending, totaling BRL200 million. However, when adjusted for population, Federal District presented the highest per capita expenditure with BRL33.90. The average number of consultations per patient was 34.53 during the period, equating to approximately five visits per year. São Paulo also had the highest number of cases (101,154 patients), while Sergipe exhibited the highest patient density, with 482 patients per 100,000 inhabitants.
CONCLUSIONS: The results highlight the considerable burden that schizophrenia imposes on Brazil's public healthcare system. Despite SUS having a robust structure essential for ensuring nationwide coverage in line with its principies of universality and equity, there is a pressing need to expand understanding of the magnitude of investments in mental health treatment, particularly schizophrenia. Such insights can foster the development of targeted strategies to optimize resource management and implement effective public policies.
Conference/Value in Health Info
2025-11, ISPOR Europe 2025, Glasgow, Scotland
Value in Health, Volume 28, Issue S2
Code
EE119
Topic
Economic Evaluation
Topic Subcategory
Budget Impact Analysis, Cost/Cost of Illness/Resource Use Studies
Disease
Mental Health (including addition)