Cost of Medications in the Treatment of Moderate to Severe Acne in Sarawak, Malaysia
- Author:
Yap FBB
;
Pubalan M
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Acne vulgaris;
costing;
medications
- From:Malaysian Journal of Dermatology
2014;33(-):18-22
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Introduction: Acne is a common problem causing impairment in quality of life requiring topical and
oral treatment. The objective of this study is to determine the cost of medications for the treatment
of an episode of moderate to severe acne vulgaris in patients attending the dermatology clinics in
Sarawak.
Materials & Methods: This cross sectional study was conducted between June 2008 and January 2009
in all the 3 dermatology clinics in Sarawak. Data were collected from 165 patients with moderate to
severe acne and analysed using SPSS ver 15. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.
Results: The mean cost of medications to treat 1 episode of acne was RM 1170.48 per patient. The
government and patients spent an average of RM 519.41 and RM 651.07 respectively. The cost to
treat 1 episode of severe acne (mean RM1861.75) was significantly higher than to treat moderate acne
(mean RM 470.79, p < 0.001). Working patients paid more for their acne medications (mean RM
1624) compared to students (mean RM 732.21, p = 0.001). In patients with moderate acne, patients
with tertiary education spent more (mean RM 657.54) on their medications compared to those with
primary/secondary education (mean RM 338.50, p = 0.04) There was no association between the cost of
medications and the socio-demographic variables of gender, ethnic group and economic background.
Conclusion: Cost of treating moderate to severe acne in Sarawak is high and comparable to Western
societies. This data might help in formulating and optimizing resource allocations for the treatment
of acne.
