The Economic Burden of Otitis Media in Korea, 2012: A Nationally Representative Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background. Otitis media (OM) is a common communicable disease that is associated with a substantial economic burden. However, no Korean studies have evaluated OM-related trends after the introduction of the pneumococcal conjugate vaccines. Purpose. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence and economic burden of OM in Korea using nationally representative data. Methods. The burden of OM was estimated nationally representative data such as national health insurance claims data from 2012, based on the prevalence approach and the societal perspective. Results. In 2012, 1,788,303 patients visited medical institutions for treatment of OM, and the prevalence and burden of OM were 3.5% and 497.35 million US dollars, respectively. Patients who were 0–9 years old accounted for 59.7% of the cases and 55.2% of the total cost. Among adults, the total and perpatient costs were highest among 50–59-year-old adults. Direct medical costs and outpatient costs accounted for large proportions of the total cost (86.3% and 88.3%, resp.). Conclusion. The economic burden of OM decreased after the introduction of the pneumococcal conjugate vaccines. However, OM is still associated with a relatively large burden, especially among adults, and interventions are needed to reduce the burden of OM in this population.

Economic burden of pneumococcal infections in children under 5 years of age

“… 13 In Korea, a nationally representative cross-sectional study evaluated the economic burden of otitis media in 2012 reported the total cost of otitis media in 0–9 year age group as 257.87 million Dollars in the outpatient setting. 14 Since there are differences in health policies as well as in national economies of the countries, these results are not comparable.…”

Measuring the Economic Burden of Disease and Injury in Korea, 2015

“…Medical costs for each of the 238 diseases were calculated based on the definitions of prevalence for each disease. As determined by a literature review and expert consultation, patients for each disease were defined as those who were hospitalized for the major illness at least once or were treated as an outpatient at least 1–5 times 8910…”

“…Despite the importance of measuring the socioeconomic burden, previous Korean studies attempting to estimate socioeconomic burden have generally been conducted for a single disease or group of diseases 8910. For example, in 2009, one study computed economic burden caused by cancers 11.…”

“…Such a standardized approach is essential for accurately comparing and analyzing burdens of different conditions. For this purpose, this study aimed to compute the socioeconomic disease burden of 238 diseases and 22 injuries in 2015, using a single methodology, from a social perspective 891011…”

Influencing Factors of Transportation Costs regarding Healthcare Service Utilization in Korea

“…9 10 11 Previous studies have determined the economic burden of diseases in Korea by measuring the direct medical costs of inpatient and outpatient care, pharmaceuticals, direct non-medical costs (e.g., transportation costs and caregiver expenses), and indirect costs owing to productivity loss regarding morbidity and mortality. 12 13 14 15 16 17 Notwithstanding, despite the aforementioned importance of transportation in healthcare utilization, no previous Korean study has independently investigated transportation cost burden.…”