TITLE:
The Societal Cost of Schizophrenia in China from 2010 to 2024—A Literature Review
AUTHORS:
Xinyan Deng, Mengge Li, Zhiliang Wu, Chaofeng Tang
KEYWORDS:
China, Schizophrenia, Review, Cost-of-Illness, Economic Burden, Indirect Cost
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Applied Sciences,
Vol.14 No.11,
November
29,
2024
ABSTRACT: Background: Schizophrenia is a chronic disease related to long-lasting and tremendous effects on patient’s health in China, which is generally considered as a huge economic burden not only for patients but also for their caregivers and the whole society. Therefore, it is necessary to conduct an analysis of cost. Previous cost-of-illness (COI) studies have already provided some useful information on the economic burden that schizophrenia brought to global society, including China. Objectives: This systematic review aims to obtain a comprehensive understanding of the economic burden of schizophrenia in China. Method: A literature review was performed through CNKI, Wanfang, CQVIP, EMBASE and Medline databases to identify COI studies published between 2010-2024. The primary outcome of this review was societal cost per schizophrenia patient by cost component, including direct medical costs, non-medical costs and indirect medical costs. Results: 14 COI studies in schizophrenia were identified, covering 7 municipalities and 8 provinces of China. The annual societal cost per patient ranged from 10,765 CNY in Zhejiang province to 406,382 CNY in Xuancheng city (Anhui province). The ratio of indirect cost ranged from 66.6% to 96.8%. The main cost drivers were the productivity losses. There was an enormous heterogeneity between societal cost estimations that could be interpreted by the difference in economic state and regional healthcare resource allocation. Conclusions: This review highlights the large economic burden of schizophrenia in varied areas in China. Substantial cost variation was observed both nationwide and globally, which may be caused by the varied economic situation and healthcare policy. Limitation of this review was summarized, which may provide a useful guidance for the future COI studies in China.