Out-of-pocket expenditure for cataract surgery in rural China: a cross-sectional survey combined with hospital administrative data.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Cataract is the primary cause of blindness in China and has a low surgery uptake rate where financial factors are crucial determinants. We report updated data on the financial protection of patients with cataract surgery after the integration of urban and rural medical insurance.

Methods

A population-based survey and hospital administrative data were matched to analyze surgical and total out of pocket (OOP) costs and their burden relative to income; the proportion of total surgical costs paid OOP; and the breakdown of total surgical costs. Multivariate regressions, including key interaction terms, identified socio-demographic factors associated with OOP cost and burden.

Results

Among 348 cataract patients, the average surgical OOP cost incurred by patients

SUBMITTER: Zhao J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12750664 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature