Social Isolation and the Cost Burden of Buruli Ulcer Treatment
Author Information
Author(s): Peeters Grietens Koen, Um Boock Alphonse, Peeters Hans, Hausmann-Muela Susanna, Toomer Elizabeth, Muela Ribera Joan
Primary Institution: Partners for Applied Social Sciences|PASS International, Leuven, Belgium
Hypothesis
How does the cost burden of Buruli ulcer treatment affect social support for patients?
Conclusion
The cost burden of Buruli ulcer treatment leads to significant social isolation for patients as families withdraw support.
Supporting Evidence
- 63% of households stop providing support to patients, leading to their isolation.
- The median cost burden of Buruli ulcer treatment is 25% of household earnings.
- Patients who are socially isolated have significantly lower costs for household involvement during treatment.
- Despite free medical care, the overall cost burden remains unsustainable for many families.
Takeaway
When people get sick with Buruli ulcer, their families often can't afford to help them, which makes the sick person feel very alone.
Methodology
The study used qualitative and quantitative methods, including participant observation and in-depth interviews, over four months in hospitals and communities.
Potential Biases
Potential bias from the presence of researchers during interviews could influence responses.
Limitations
The long-term nature of the illness makes it difficult to measure all costs accurately, and recall bias may lead to underestimation of expenses.
Participant Demographics
39% of patients were female, 61% male; 56% were children and adolescents, while 44% were adults or elderly.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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