Direct costs of ankylosing spondylitis and its determinants: an analysis among three European countries.

ABSTRACT: OBJECTIVE:To assess direct costs associated with ankylosing spondylitis (AS). To determine which variables, including country, predict costs. METHODS:216 patients with AS from the Netherlands, France, and Belgium participated in a two year observational study and filled in bimonthly economic questionnaires. Disease related healthcare resource use was measured and direct costs were calculated from a societal perspective (true cost estimates) and from a financial perspective (country-specific tariffs). Predictors of costs were assessed using Cox's regression analysis. RESULTS:209 patients provided sufficient data for cost analysis. Mean annual societal direct costs for each patient were euro;2640, of which 82% were direct healthcare costs. In univariate analysis costs were higher in the Neth

SUBMITTER: Boonen A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1754632 | biostudies-literature | 2003 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature