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. 2011 Jun 30;24(2):94-101.

The direct hospitalization cost of care for acute burns in Lagos, Nigeria: a one-year prospective study

C N Ahachi  1 , I O Fadeyibi, F O Abikoye, M K Chira, A O Ugburo, S A Ademiluyi
Affiliations

The direct hospitalization cost of care for acute burns in Lagos, Nigeria: a one-year prospective study

C N Ahachi et al. Ann Burns Fire Disasters. .

Abstract
in English, French

Objective. We conducted a prospective study to identify the direct hospitalization cost of managing major acute burns in Lagos, Nigeria, and to determine the factors that influence the cost. Method. All consecutive and consenting patients seen and managed for major burns at the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Igbobi, Lagos, between 1 June 2007 and 31 May 2008 were recruited for the study. A special form designed for the study was used to collect the necessary data. Results. Fifty-two patients were seen during the study period (27 males and 25 females). The ages ranged from 2 months to 69 yr with a mean of 25.4 ± 17.1 yr. The length of hospital stay ranged from 0.3-12 months (mean, 3.2 ± 3.1 months). The average daily cost of treating a patient was ₦ (naira) 8,855 (₦1000 = €4.44) and the average overall cost was ₦209,303.70, with the costs of wound dressings, hospital admission, and surgery constituting respectively 29.5%, 25.7%, and 19.1% of the total amount spent. Conclusion. The length of hospital stay was prolonged in many patients and management methods should be reviewed to reduce this. The cost of managing burns is prohibitive for an average Nigerian. Efforts should be intensified to prevent burn injury and a Special Health Insurance policy should be established to finance burns management.

But. Le but de notre étude prospective était d’établir le coût direct de l’hospitalisation pour la gestion des grands brûlés aigus à Lagos, au Nigeria, et de déterminer les facteurs qui influent sur le coût. Méthode. Tous les patients atteints de graves brûlures et traités consécutivement à l’Hôpital National d’Orthopédie, à Igbobi, Lagos, entre le 1er juin 2007 et le 31 mai 2008, ont été recrutés pour l’étude. Un formulaire préparé spécialement pour l’étude a été utilisé pour recueillir les données nécessaires. Résultats. Nous avons considéré 52 patients au cours de la période d’étude (27 mâles et 25 femelles). L’âge des patients variait de 2 mois à 69 ans (moyenne, 25,4 ± 17,1 ans). La durée de l’hospitalisation variait de 0,3 à 12 mois (moyenne, 3,2 ± 3,1 mois). Le coût quotidien moyen des soins pour traiter un patient a été de ₦8.855 (₦1000 = €4,44) et le coût moyen global était de naira 209,303.70 ; les coûts respectifs des pansements, de l’hospitalisation et des procédures chirurgicales constituaient 29,5%, 25,7% et 19,1% du montant total dépensé. Conclusion. La durée de l’hospitalisation a été prolongée chez de nombreux patients et il faut donc trouver un système de gestion capable de la diminuer. Le coût de la gestion des brûlures est prohibitif pour les citoyens nigériens moyens. Il faudra intensifier tous les efforts pour prévenir les brûlures et créer une spéciale police d’assurance maladie pour financer la gestion des brûlures.

Keywords: HOSPITALIZATION AND COST OF CARE; LAGOS; MAJOR BURNS; NIGERIA.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1. Patient age distribution.
Fig. 2
Fig. 2. Methods of treatment of cases seen in the acute phase.
Fig. 3
Fig. 3. Early complications in cases seen during the acute phase.
Fig. 4
Fig. 4. Distribution pattern of the costs of management of acute burns cases.
Table I
Table I. Cost in ₦ incurred per item in the management of acute burns cases
Table II
Table II. Cost in ₦ of the surgical procedures carried out on acute burn patients
Fig. 5
Fig. 5. Distribution pattern of the cost in ₦ of managing burns in the non-acute phase.
Table III
Table III. Total cost in ₦ of management of burns (acute and non-acute phases)
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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