Determining the Direct and Indirect Healthcare and Social Costs For Diabetic Retinopathy Management. A Systematic Review.

Abstract

Abstract Diabetic retinopathy is a rapidly growing a global public health threat; it affects 1 in 3 people with diabetes and is still the leading cause of blindness among the working- age population. The management of diabetic retinopathy is becoming more advanced and effective but is highly expensive compared to other ocular diseases. Aim: To report direct medical, indirect medical and nonmedical costs of diabetic retinopathy in developed and developing countries through a systematic review. Methods: Related articles published in the PubMed, Google Scholar, and EMBASE electronic databases from 1985 to 2022 were identified using the key words direct medical and indirect medical and social costs of diabetic retinopathy. However, previous systematic reviews, abstracts, and case reports were excluded. Results: Only12 articles were eligible for the assessment of the economic burden of diabetes management and its complications. In Germany, the average cost from a social perspective was US$1,361.35 per patient and the average cost of DR from the GKV perspective was US$865.450 per patient in 2002. In India, the average annual direct cost was estimated to be US$19,089.072 and the indirect cost was US$105,857.136 in 2016. Discussion: Increasing the prevalence of DR leads to increased direct and indirect healthcare expenditures, in addition, increasing the severity of DR leads to increased expenditure as well. The most significant concern about DR is that it affects working age adults with irreversible blindness, especially in advanced stages. While the management and control are available and inexpensive. Conclusion: The enormous financial burden associated with DR expenses should be reconsidered, and the current screening and management programs should be revised to improve the quality and reduce the cost that is associated with DR to achieve the Sustainable Development Goal SDG (3), which ensures good health and well-being.