1.Study on direct medical cost of inpatient treatment for gastrointestinal cancers at Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital
Nguyen Nguyet Tram LUU ; Xuan Thinh TRAN ; Quang Phuc TRAN
Hue Journal of Medicine and Pharmacy 2023;13(6):41-
Background: Gastrointestinal cancers, including liver cancer, colorectal cancer, and stomach cancer, are the most common cancers in the world as well as in Vietnam, posing a leading threat to human health. The cost of treating these cancers is a major problem that burdens not only patients but also healthcare systems. The study aims to analyze treatment costs for the four most common types of gastrointestinal cancer nowadays. Materials and method: A cross-sectional study was conducted to collect data from 300 medical records of inpatients with gastrointestinal cancers at the hospital of Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy in 2021. Results: The average direct medical cost per inpatient admission was 14,239,915 VND (95% CI: 12,502,135 - 15,977,695 VND) in 2021. The cost per inpatient admission for liver cancer treatment was the highest, by 20,267,780 VND (95% CI: 16,036,541- 24,499,018 VND). The cost of drugs accounted for the highest proportion (38.1%), followed by the cost of medical supplies (14.7%). There is a statistically significant difference between the median cost of groups classified by age, metastasis, comorbidity, and length of hospital stay. Conclusion: Direct medical costs for patients with four common types of gastrointestinal cancers impose a considerable economic burden on patients and the health system. Further cost analysis studies need to be conducted. Strategies to decrease the economic burden of gastrointestinal, such as screening programs, and improving awareness of the prevention of cancer should be developed in Vietnam.
2.Viral load suppression and acquired HIV drug resistance in adults receiving antiretroviral therapy in Viet Nam: results from a nationally representative survey
Vu Quoc Dat ; Bui Duc Duong ; Do Thi Nhan ; Nguyen Huu Hai ; Nguyen Thi Lan Anh ; Huynh Hoang Khanh Thu ; Tran Ton ; Luong Que Anh ; Nguyen Tuan Nghia ; Nguyen Vu Thuong ; Khuu Van Nghia ; Tran Thi Minh Tam ; Tran Phuc Hau ; Nguyen Duy Phuc ; Vu Xuan Thinh ; Nguyen Tran Hien ; Truong Thi Xuan Lien ; Silvia Bertagnolio ; Nguyen Thi Thuy Van ; Masaya Kato
Western Pacific Surveillance and Response 2018;9(3):16-24
Objective:
The purpose of this survey was to estimate the prevalence of viral load (VL) suppression and emergence of HIV drug resistance (HIVDR) among individuals receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) for 36 months or longer in Viet Nam using a nationally representative sampling method.
Methods:
The survey was conducted between May and August 2014 using a two-stage cluster design. Sixteen ART clinics were selected using probability proportional to proxy size sampling, and patients receiving ART for at least 36 months were consecutively enrolled. Epidemiological information and blood specimens were collected for HIV-1 VL and HIVDR testing; HIVDR was defined by the Stanford University HIVDR algorithm.
Results:
Overall, 365 eligible individuals were recruited with a mean age of 38.2 years; 68.4% were men. The mean time on ART was 75.5 months (95% confidence interval [CI]: 69.0–81.9 months), and 93.7% of the patients were receiving non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor-based regimens. Of the 365 individuals, 345 (94.7%, 95% CI: 64.1–99.4%) had VL below 1000 copies/mL and 19 (4.6%, 95% CI: 2.8-–7.5) had HIVDR mutations.
Discussion
Our nationally representative survey found a high level of VL suppression and a low prevalence of HIVDR among individuals who received ART for at least 36 months in Viet Nam. Continued surveillance for HIVDR is important for evaluating and improving HIV programs.