Subject(s)
Psoriasis , Cost-Benefit Analysis , Cross-Sectional Studies , Germany/epidemiology , Humans , Psoriasis/epidemiologyABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Though psoriasis poses a substantial chronic socio-economic burden, few studies have addressed the economic impact in Germany. OBJECTIVES: The objective was to evaluate the annual costs of psoriasis in Germany from the societal perspective. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed in randomly selected German dermatology practices and clinics in 2013/2014 using standardized questionnaires of illness-related costs. Costs were grouped by perspective and category as well as analysed by sex and age. Group differences were tested by non-parametric tests. RESULTS: Complete data were obtained from 1158 patients in 132 centres. Annual average costs for patients with psoriasis: total costs 5543 ± 8044, systemic treatment costs (paid by the statutory health insurances [SHI]) 3733 ± 7322, out-of-pocket costs 224 ± 406, total SHI costs 4940 ± 7533, direct costs 5164 ± 7581 and indirect costs 379 ± 2087. Significant higher costs in male and significant lower costs in 65+-year-old patients were found. CONCLUSIONS: Psoriasis induces a considerable economic burden. Between 2003 and 2014, costs have markedly shifted from hospital, out-of-pocket and indirect costs towards systemic drug costs.
