Publication:

Retrospective study on cost distribution of antiretroviral therapy in a tertiary care hospital

Background Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is caused by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which is an RNA virus. The first case of AIDS in human beings was reported in 1981, and now spread of HIV infection is alarmingly high with around 20 million deaths. The objective of the study was to determine the cost distribution of antiretroviral therapy among autoimmune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) patient attending the anti-retroviral therapy (ART) center of the tertiary care center.

Methods The objective of the study was to determine the cost distribution of antiretroviral therapy among AIDS patient attending the ART center of the tertiary care center. The study was retrospective, 20 patients included in different age groups and categories the cost incurred toward patients were divided under different heads: medication, laboratory diagnosis, transport, and miscellaneous costs.

Results It was found that major part of the cost is spent on drugs. The cost of transport and lab diagnosis varied based on age and stage of the disease. Miscellaneous costs were also high and were proportional to other costs.

Conclusion HIV infected population is more likely to have a lower socioeconomic status which has varied effect on the effectiveness of highly active ART. Some of the problems faced by them are access to health care, transport, economic instability, etc. all these factors have an impact on outcome of treatment. Overall it can be found that preventive measure than treating has better impact on quality of life.