Socioeconomic implications of Buruli ulcer in Ghana: a three-year review

Abstract

This study examines some of the socioeconomic cost of treating 102 cases of Buruli ulcer between 1994 and 1996 at the St. Martin's Catholic Hospital in Agroyesum in the Amansie West district of the Ashanti region of Ghana. Seventy percent of the cases were children (up to 15 years of age). There was no sex difference in the distribution of cases. Hospitalization was prolonged (average = 186 days in 1994, 103 days in 1995, and 102 days in 1996) with no significant age and sex differences. There were 10 limb amputations, 12 patients were left with contracture deformities, one patient lost sight in one eye, and two died of sepsis and tetanus. The average total treatment cost per patient was $966.85 (62% indirect) in 1994, $706.08 (75% indirect) in 1995, and $658.74 (79% indirect) in 1996. With increasing number of cases, high treatment costs, and serious complications, urgent attention should be given to the disease in terms of control and research efforts aimed at early detection and treatment.