Economic Burden of Malaria in South-Central Vietnam
Author Information
Author(s): Chantal M. Morel, Thang Ngo Duc, Xa Nguyen Xuan, Hung Le Xuan, Thuan Le Khan, Van Ky Pham, Annette Erhart, Anne J. Mills, Umberto D'Alessandro
Primary Institution: LSE Health, London School of Economics
Hypothesis
What is the economic impact of malaria on households in south-central Vietnam?
Conclusion
Malaria imposes a significant economic burden on households primarily through indirect costs associated with decreased productivity.
Supporting Evidence
- Each malaria episode costs the patient's household an average of 11.79 USD.
- Direct costs for travel and treatment represent only 6% of the total costs.
- The economic burden is primarily due to loss of income from reduced productivity.
Takeaway
When people in Vietnam get malaria, it costs their families a lot of money because they can't work and earn money while they're sick.
Methodology
Patients were interviewed using exit and household surveys, complemented by informal discussions.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the reliance on patient recall and the selection of patients at health facilities.
Limitations
The study relied on self-reported data, which may not capture all economic activities accurately.
Participant Demographics
The study involved 251 malaria patients, with a median age of 16, and a sex ratio of 1.67 male to female.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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