Direct medical cost of cancer treatment from the payer's perspective and related factors at Da Nang Oncology Hospital in 2022

Abstract

The objective of this study was to estimate the direct costs of cancer treatment from the payer’s perspective and to identify the factors related to the direct costs incurred during treatment among cancer patients at Da Nang Oncology Hospital in 2022. This was a crosssectional descriptive study that included 334 cancer patients (lung, liver, breast, colorectal, and stomach) at Da Nang Oncology Hospital from September to December 2022. Direct costs were used to calculate the total costs incurred by patients, including both medical and non-medical expenses. Multivariate linear regression analysis has identified the factors associated with treatment costs. The study found that the average total direct cost of cancer treatment was 44,193,107 VND per patient. Direct medical examination and treatment costs accounted for 35.38%, while non-medical direct costs accounted for 64.62%. 47.6% of participants were fully treatment-supported by health insurance. The duration of treatment, treatment method, and health insurance copayment were identified as significant factors related to the cost of cancer treatment from the payer’s perspective.