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. 2024 Sep 30;24(1):424.
doi: 10.1186/s12886-024-03665-6.

Determining direct, indirect healthcare and social costs for diabetic retinopathy management: a systematic review

Mawdda Benhamza  1   2 , Maznah Dahlui  3   4 , Mas Ayu Said  5   6
Affiliations

Determining direct, indirect healthcare and social costs for diabetic retinopathy management: a systematic review

Mawdda Benhamza et al. BMC Ophthalmol. .

Abstract

Introduction: Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a rapidly growing 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 keywords direct medical and indirect medical and social costs of diabetic retinopathy. However, previous systematic reviews, abstracts, and case reports were excluded.

Results: Thirteen articles were eligible for assessing the economic burden of diabetes management and its complications. Our analysis revealed that increasing prevalence and severity of diabetic retinopathy (DR) are associated with higher direct and indirect healthcare expenditures. The impact of DR on working-age adults, leading to irreversible blindness in advanced stages, underscores the urgent need for cost-effective prevention and management strategies.

Discussion: This study systematically reviewed the direct medical, indirect medical, and nonmedical costs of DR in developed and developing countries. Our findings highlight the significant economic burden of DR, emphasizing the importance of implementing effective prevention and management measures to alleviate costs and enhance patient outcomes.

Conclusion: The substantial financial burden of DR necessitates a re-evaluation of current screening and management programs. Revision of these programs is crucial to improve quality of care, reduce costs, and ultimately achieve Sustainable Development Goal 3, which aims to ensure good health and well-being for all.

Keywords: And indirect nonmedical cost; Diabetes; Diabetic retinopathy; Direct medical cost; Indirect medical cost.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no competing interests.

Figures

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Fig. 1
PRISMA flow diagram of the study selection process
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