Financial risk protection of heart disease‐affected households in Bangladesh: Insights from nationwide income and expenditure surveys

Abstract

This study assesses the financial risk protection (FRP) of heart disease‐affected households in Bangladesh by analyzing three rounds of Household Income and Expenditure Survey data (2005, 2010, and 2016). Amidst a global surge in cardiovascular diseases, particularly in low‐ and middle‐income countries, Bangladesh encounters an escalating burden of heart disease, with an over‐reliance on out‐of‐pocket (OOP) healthcare expenses. Our findings reveal a substantial increase in annual OOP spending for households affected by heart disease, from USD 307.4 in 2005 to USD 346.1 in 2010, and then surging to USD 650.5 in 2016. Concurrently, catastrophic health expenditure (CHE) and impoverishment incidences rose (17.6% to 18.2% to 29.3% and 3.2% to 2.2% to 3.3%, respectively), with a notable increase post‐2010. These expenses and CHE incidences were consistently higher than those in households with any ailment, underscoring a disparity in FRP, especially among economically disadvantaged, rural households and those headed by individuals without formal education. The study contributes to the literature by providing a first‐time analysis of FRP dynamics against heart disease in Bangladesh using comprehensive national data. It uncovers the worsening FRP status among affected households and highlights the need for targeted interventions to enhance FRP, particularly among the most vulnerable groups. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of strategic public health investments to mitigate the financial repercussions of heart disease care, providing insights that are globally applicable to similar contexts.