Economic Burden and Health-Related Quality of Life Associated With Schizophrenia in Saudi Arabia
Author(s)
Ahmed A. Alghamdi, PharmD, PhD1, Mohammed Alarabi, MD2, Wessam Alzahrani, PharmD1, Abdulmalik Alshammari, PharmD1.
1College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, 2College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
1College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, 2College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
OBJECTIVES: Schizophrenia is a severe mental disorder associated with a substantial economic burden globally, and a negative impact on patients health related quality of life (HRQOL). The aim of this study was to estimate the economic burden of Schizophrenia and its potential impact on patients HRQOL in Saudi Arabia.
METHODS: This was prevalence-based single-center cost of illness study. Patients medical records were reviewed, and data were collected from King Saud University Medical City in Riyadh between 2021-2023. A bottom-up micro-costing approach was conducted to estimate the direct medical costs associated with Schizophrenia. To evaluate the patients HRQOL, a cross-sectional questionnaire was conducted using the Arabic version of the EQ-5D-5L value set for the Saudi Arabian population. Descriptive and inferential statistics were performed.
RESULTS: A total of 415 patients were included in the study (mean age 40, 54% male, and an average disease duration of 7.7 years). The total cost during the study period was SAR 7,630,909.00 and the estimated average annual cost SAR 18,388 per patient. The cost was significantly associated with age and disease duration and resulted in an annual increase by SAR 1,730, and SAR 1,190 respectively (P<.001). The major drivers for healthcare costs were medications (53%), hospitalization (29%), outpatient visits (12%), and lab test (5%). The majority of patients reported either “no” or “slight” difficulties in mobility (85.29%), and self-care (55.87%). However, (53%) reported either “slight problem” or “unable” to perform usual activities. In addition, (61.78%) reported “slightly “to “extremely” anxious or depressed. The mean Euro Qol-visual analog scale (EQ-VAS) score was70.16±18.45
CONCLUSIONS: Schizophrenia imposes significant economic burden in Saudi Arabia. Decision makers need to focus on allocating resources towards strategies that could improve patients HRQOL and lower the cost by considering cost-effective treatment options and early detection programs to lower the growing economic and social burden.
METHODS: This was prevalence-based single-center cost of illness study. Patients medical records were reviewed, and data were collected from King Saud University Medical City in Riyadh between 2021-2023. A bottom-up micro-costing approach was conducted to estimate the direct medical costs associated with Schizophrenia. To evaluate the patients HRQOL, a cross-sectional questionnaire was conducted using the Arabic version of the EQ-5D-5L value set for the Saudi Arabian population. Descriptive and inferential statistics were performed.
RESULTS: A total of 415 patients were included in the study (mean age 40, 54% male, and an average disease duration of 7.7 years). The total cost during the study period was SAR 7,630,909.00 and the estimated average annual cost SAR 18,388 per patient. The cost was significantly associated with age and disease duration and resulted in an annual increase by SAR 1,730, and SAR 1,190 respectively (P<.001). The major drivers for healthcare costs were medications (53%), hospitalization (29%), outpatient visits (12%), and lab test (5%). The majority of patients reported either “no” or “slight” difficulties in mobility (85.29%), and self-care (55.87%). However, (53%) reported either “slight problem” or “unable” to perform usual activities. In addition, (61.78%) reported “slightly “to “extremely” anxious or depressed. The mean Euro Qol-visual analog scale (EQ-VAS) score was70.16±18.45
CONCLUSIONS: Schizophrenia imposes significant economic burden in Saudi Arabia. Decision makers need to focus on allocating resources towards strategies that could improve patients HRQOL and lower the cost by considering cost-effective treatment options and early detection programs to lower the growing economic and social burden.
Conference/Value in Health Info
2025-11, ISPOR Europe 2025, Glasgow, Scotland
Value in Health, Volume 28, Issue S2
Code
EE353
Topic
Economic Evaluation, Patient-Centered Research
Topic Subcategory
Cost/Cost of Illness/Resource Use Studies
Disease
Mental Health (including addition)