Socio-Economic Impact of Haemophilia in India: An Analysis of Indirect Costs and Work Day Loss
Janvi Sirwani* and Nigam RK
ABSTRACT
Background: Haemophilia poses a substantial economic burden globally, yet studies on its impact in low- socioeconomic regions are limited. This cross sectional study in a tertiary health care centre aims to evaluate the work day loss and indirect costs among haemophilia patients and their caretakers in a low-socioeconomic setting.
Objective: To analyse the impact of bleeding episodes on daily activities, calculate indirect costs, and determine work day loss among haemophilia patients and caretakers.
Method: Study design: Observational cross-sectional study with 50 haemophiliacs and their caretakers. Study duration: 3 months.
Methodology: Data collection involved a structured questionnaire encompassing patient demographics, bleeding episodes, hospital visits, work day/school day loss, and socioeconomic status. The severity of haemophilia was categorized as mild, moderate, or severe based on established criteria.
Result: Among 50 participants (Haemophilia A), the age group 15-39 years had the highest number of bleeding episodes. Mild category had 2.5 episodes while Severe haemophilia showed the 6.5 maximum average bleeding episodes. Average work day/school day loss increased with severity, with 17.4 days in mild category to 27.8 days for severe cases. Indirect costs for 3 months totalled 4,60,382 rupees, with lower socioeconomic classes experiencing higher percentage income loss.
Discussion: The results indicate a substantial societal and economic burden associated with haemophilia, particularly in low-income settings. The discussion emphasizes the need for tailored interventions, government initiatives, and improved treatment accessibility to mitigate the economic impact on affected families.
Conclusion: Haemophilia imposes a significant socioeconomic burden, with severe cases and lower socioeconomic status contributing more substantially.
