Incremental Cost Burden of Major Depressive Disorder in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis in Korea
Author(s)
Haeun L1, Kang HY2
1College of Pharmacy, Yonsei Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, Yonsei University, INCHEON, South Korea, 2College of Pharmacy, Yonsei Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, Yonsei University, Incheon, Korea, Republic of (South)
Presentation Documents
OBJECTIVES: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease characterized by persistent inflammation in the synovial membrane of joints. In proportion to inflammation, it is often accompanied by cognitive disorders such as depression and memory loss, and psychological distress can lead to reduced physical activity, resulting in accelerated muscle loss and osteoporosis. Therefore, the aim of this study is to assess the increased economic burden of major depressive disorder (MDD) in adult RA patients. METHODS: The study was conducted as a retrospective, cross-sectional analysis using the 2018 Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service-National Patient Sample (HIRA-NPS) data. We defined adult RA patients as those aged ≥20 years who had at least one diagnosis of RA. RA patients with MDD were defined as patients who had at least two diagnoses of MDD and two prescriptions for antidepressants. RA patients without MDD were defined as those who had no diagnosis of MDD and no prescription for antidepressants. The study examined sociodemographic characteristics and total medical costs from the perspective of the insurer. Medical costs were estimated by considering all healthcare expenses covered by the National Health Insurance (NHI). RESULTS: Compared to RA patients without MDD (n=21,800), those with MDD (n=2,070) had significantly higher proportions of females (10.63% diff., p<0.0001), individuals aged ≥60 years (19.42% diff., p<0.0001) and recipients of medical aid (11.09% diff., p<0.0001). The estimated annual average NHI covered medical expenses per patient were 8,736,034 KRW/yr for RA patients with MDD and 4,019,115 KRW/yr for RA patients without MDD, resulting in an incremental medical cost of 4,716,919 KRW/yr per patient. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates a significant economic burden of comorbid major depressive disorder in adult patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Therefore, there is a need to emphasize the prevention and treatment of depressive disorders in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
Conference/Value in Health Info
2023-11, ISPOR Europe 2023, Copenhagen, Denmark
Value in Health, Volume 26, Issue 11, S2 (December 2023)
Code
EPH239
Topic
Economic Evaluation, Health Policy & Regulatory
Topic Subcategory
Cost-comparison, Effectiveness, Utility, Benefit Analysis, Public Spending & National Health Expenditures
Disease
Musculoskeletal Disorders (Arthritis, Bone Disorders, Osteoporosis, Other Musculoskeletal), No Additional Disease & Conditions/Specialized Treatment Areas