Healthcare utilization and out-of-pocket expenditures associated with depression in adults: a cross-sectional analysis in Nepal.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Despite attempts to improve universal health coverage (UHC) in low income countries like Nepal, most healthcare utilization is still financed by out-of-pocket (OOP) payments, with detrimental effects on the poorest and most in need. Evidence from high income countries shows that depression is associated with increased healthcare utilization, which may lead to increased OOP expenditures, placing greater stress on families. To inform policies for integrating mental healthcare into UHC in LMIC, we must understand healthcare utilization and OOP expenditure patterns in people with depression. We examined associations between symptoms of depression and frequency and type of healthcare utilization and OOP expenditure among adults in Chitwan District, Nepal.

Methods

We an

SUBMITTER: Rajan S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7093962 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature