Center of Clinical Neuroscience
Department of Neurology, University Clinc Carl Gustav Carus, Dresden

Author Of 1 Presentation

Gender Differences, Hormones and Sex Chromosomes Poster Presentation

P1124 - Health resource utilization in relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis from a gender perspective - evidence from more than 2000 patients in Germany (ID 1640)

Speakers
Presentation Number
P1124
Presentation Topic
Gender Differences, Hormones and Sex Chromosomes

Abstract

Background

For the case of multiple sclerosis, research on gender differences from a health economic perspective has not received much attention. However, cost-of-illness analyses provide valuable information about the diverse impact of the disease and thus help decision-makers to allocate scarce resources.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to describe resource use and associated societal costs from a gender perspective. In particular, the aim was to determine how resource utilization potentially differs in certain cost components between men and women.

Methods

Data were extracted from two prospective, non-interventional, observational multicentre studies in Germany. Information on (health) resource use was obtained from all patients on a quarterly basis using a validated questionnaire. Cost analyses were conducted from the societal perspective, including all direct (healthcare-related) and indirect (work-related) costs, regardless of who ultimately pays them. Costs for men and women were analysed within subgroups of two-year clinical disease activity. Gender-related differences were analysed by multivariate negative binomial regression models (mean quarterly costs) and binary logistic regression models (patients using resources).

Results

In total, 2095 patients (72.9% females) presented a median EDSS of 2 (IQR 1-3.5) and disease duration of 7.55 ±6.12 years (p>0.05 for gender-related differences). Women and men did not statistically differ in total quarterly costs (2329 Euro (€) ±2570€ vs 2361€ ±2612€). For both sexes, costs were higher with advancing disability and indirect costs were the main societal cost driver. Regarding healthcare-related resources, women incurred higher costs for outpatient consultations, complementary medicine, medical consumables and informal care. Among indirect costs, we found higher costs for men for presenteeism and higher costs for women for disability pension (all p<0.05).

Conclusions

Multiple sclerosis poses a significant economic burden on patients, families and society. While the total economic burden did not differ between males and females, we found gender differences in specific cost items that are similar to those in the wider non-MS population. Furthermore, indirect costs were highly dependent on the cost categories included and the way in which they were valued.

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Presenter Of 1 Presentation

Gender Differences, Hormones and Sex Chromosomes Poster Presentation

P1124 - Health resource utilization in relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis from a gender perspective - evidence from more than 2000 patients in Germany (ID 1640)

Speakers
Presentation Number
P1124
Presentation Topic
Gender Differences, Hormones and Sex Chromosomes

Abstract

Background

For the case of multiple sclerosis, research on gender differences from a health economic perspective has not received much attention. However, cost-of-illness analyses provide valuable information about the diverse impact of the disease and thus help decision-makers to allocate scarce resources.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to describe resource use and associated societal costs from a gender perspective. In particular, the aim was to determine how resource utilization potentially differs in certain cost components between men and women.

Methods

Data were extracted from two prospective, non-interventional, observational multicentre studies in Germany. Information on (health) resource use was obtained from all patients on a quarterly basis using a validated questionnaire. Cost analyses were conducted from the societal perspective, including all direct (healthcare-related) and indirect (work-related) costs, regardless of who ultimately pays them. Costs for men and women were analysed within subgroups of two-year clinical disease activity. Gender-related differences were analysed by multivariate negative binomial regression models (mean quarterly costs) and binary logistic regression models (patients using resources).

Results

In total, 2095 patients (72.9% females) presented a median EDSS of 2 (IQR 1-3.5) and disease duration of 7.55 ±6.12 years (p>0.05 for gender-related differences). Women and men did not statistically differ in total quarterly costs (2329 Euro (€) ±2570€ vs 2361€ ±2612€). For both sexes, costs were higher with advancing disability and indirect costs were the main societal cost driver. Regarding healthcare-related resources, women incurred higher costs for outpatient consultations, complementary medicine, medical consumables and informal care. Among indirect costs, we found higher costs for men for presenteeism and higher costs for women for disability pension (all p<0.05).

Conclusions

Multiple sclerosis poses a significant economic burden on patients, families and society. While the total economic burden did not differ between males and females, we found gender differences in specific cost items that are similar to those in the wider non-MS population. Furthermore, indirect costs were highly dependent on the cost categories included and the way in which they were valued.

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