Cancer Impacts on Out-of-Pocket  Expenses, Income Loss, and Informal (Unpaid) Care: A Cross-Sectional Study  of Patient Perspective

Al-Aqeel, Sinaa; Alnaim, Lamya; Alghaith, Jeelan; Almosabhi, Latifa

doi:10.1177/23743735211049651

Cited by 2 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 31 publications

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“…The contribution of the current study lies in the decomposition of the gap in OOP health expenditure between the chronically and the non-chronically ill, which has been missing in the related literature to date. Furthermore, most previous studies limited their analysis of OOP health expenditure to a specific chronic condition or to specific services, making it difficult to generalize the results to a larger population [ 3 , 9 , 31 ]. Applying the Blinder-Oaxaca decomposition analysis, this study provides a clear understanding of the socio-economic inequalities in relative OOP health expenditure and the drivers of such inequalities.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Assessing the inequality in out-of-pocket health expenditure among the chronically and non-chronically ill in Saudi Arabia: a Blinder-Oaxaca decomposition analysis

Al-Hanawi

Njagi

2022

Int J Equity Health

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Background Many high-income countries have made significant progress towards achieving universal health coverage. Nevertheless, out-of-pocket (OOP) health expenditure continues to undermine the effectiveness of the universal healthcare system. In Saudi Arabia, due to the overburdened free public health services, many people opt for alternative healthcare services, risking high OOP payments. The presence of chronic illness further exacerbates this situation. However, there is limited evidence on the extent of the gap in OOP health expenditure between the chronically and non-chronically ill and the associated drivers contributing to this gap. The aim of this study was to assess inequalities in relative OOP health expenditure, estimated as the percentage of income spent on healthcare, between the chronically and non-chronically ill in Saudi Arabia and their associated drivers. Methods Data from 10,785 respondents were obtained from a national cross-sectional survey conducted in Saudi Arabia as part of the 2018 Family Health Survey. Inequalities in relative OOP health expenditure were measured using concentration indices and curves. A Blinder-Oaxaca decomposition analysis was used to assess the differences in relative OOP health expenditure between the chronically and non-chronically ill. Results The results showed that the chronically ill experience a higher financial burden due to healthcare services in absolute costs and relative to their income compared to the non-chronically ill. In addition, there was higher pro-poor inequality (–0.1985) in relative OOP health expenditure among the chronically ill compared to that (–0.1195) among the non-chronically ill. There was a 2.6% gap in relative OOP health expenditure among the chronically and non-chronically ill, of which 53.8% was attributable to unexplained factors, with explained factors accounting for the 46.2% difference. Factors that significantly contributed to the overall gap (i.e. both explained and non-explained factors) included employment status, insurance status, self-rated health, and periodic check-ups. Conclusion This study underscores the high financial burden due to OOP payments among the chronically ill and the existence of pro-poor inequalities. In addition, there is a significant gap in relative OOP health expenditure between the chronically and non-chronically ill, which is mainly attributable to differences in socio-economic characteristics. This indicates that the existing financial mechanisms have not been sufficient in cushioning the chronically ill and less well off in Saudi Arabia. This situation calls for health policymakers to integrate a social safety net into the health financing system and to prioritize the disadvantaged population, thereby ensuring access to health services without experiencing financial hardship.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Assessing the inequality in out-of-pocket health expenditure among the chronically and non-chronically ill in Saudi Arabia: a Blinder-Oaxaca decomposition analysis

Al-Hanawi

Njagi

2022

Int J Equity Health

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Healthcare Financing in Saudi Arabia: A Comprehensive Review

Nair,

Mughal,

Albejaidi

et al. 2024

Healthcare

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Saudi Vision 2030 is a game-changer for all aspects of the economy, including healthcare. This article provides a comprehensive overview of healthcare financing in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). It identifies key healthcare financing challenges that must be addressed to achieve the initiative’s envisioned health system goals. The review also examines and demonstrates how healthcare funds in the KSA are allocated among different healthcare services, to offer a perspective on resource use efficiency at various healthcare levels. This research used a mixed-method design which includes a literature review and secondary data analysis. A literature review was conducted aligned with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) reporting guidelines. The secondary data were gathered from the reports and websites of government agencies, international organizations, and non-governmental organizations. Despite implementing significant reforms in its healthcare system, the share of private healthcare expenditure in total healthcare spending has seen only marginal growth. The current healthcare financing system appears insufficient to adequately support the chronically ill and the poor. There is a significant imbalance in the allocation of government budgets between hospitals and primary care, with four-fifths of financial resources directed towards hospital services. The Ministry of Health’s budget allocation prioritizes personnel compensation, potentially reducing the available budget for medicines and other essential healthcare supplies. Ongoing reforms in the health sector, including privatization, public–private partnership initiatives, and the government’s commitment to developing a robust primary healthcare network, are expected to play a significant role in controlling rapidly increasing public healthcare expenditures in Saudi Arabia.

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Cancer Impacts on Out-of-Pocket Expenses, Income Loss, and Informal (Unpaid) Care: A Cross-Sectional Study of Patient Perspective

Cited by 2 publications

References 31 publications

Assessing the inequality in out-of-pocket health expenditure among the chronically and non-chronically ill in Saudi Arabia: a Blinder-Oaxaca decomposition analysis

Assessing the inequality in out-of-pocket health expenditure among the chronically and non-chronically ill in Saudi Arabia: a Blinder-Oaxaca decomposition analysis

Healthcare Financing in Saudi Arabia: A Comprehensive Review

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