Patterns and determinants of health care spending in denizens of urban slums from peri-industrial area of Hyderabad

Abstract

Background: Dream of universal health coverage cannot be possible with huge burden of out of pocket expenditures, common in our community. Here attempt was made to find out the pattern of expenditure towards health in the people residing around the field practice area of concerned medical college. Methods: Community based cross sectional survey with predesigned and pretested questionnaire, with stratified random sampling, total of 257 study participants were included in study, which was initiated after ethical clearance and with informed oral consent. Results: With majority in lower socio economic class, 33.85% of population was found to be beneficiaries of one of the other Health insurance, provided through social security measures. On an average, families were spending Rs. 770.08 (±956.24) for monthly health related expenses. This high variation in was observed due to difference in the constitutional structure of families. Outpatient expenses had least burden on families (154.26 (±99.90)) followed by in patient expenses, which included day care for various minor elements. More than 60% reported catastrophic Health expenses, resulting in variety of financial issues in family. Conclusions: Huge burden of OOPE exists in the study area and at the same time, health care expenditure resulting in catastrophic expenses is high. The need of society to provide healthcare at subsidised rates including medicines is emphasised, which to be considered while implementing any policy decision.