{Reference Type}: Journal Article
{Title}: Financial burden and social implications of chronic liver disease in a patient population group in Pakistan.
{Author}: Salim A;Farooq MO;Saleem S;Malik K;
{Journal}: Pak J Med Sci
{Volume}: 40
{Issue}: 7
{Year}: 2024 Aug
{Factor}: 2.34
{DOI}: 10.12669/pjms.40.7.7976
{Abstract}: <B>UNASSIGNED: </B>To assess economic and social issues faced by cirrhotic patients & its financial burden for developing nations like Pakistan.<BR><B>UNASSIGNED: </B>This cross-sectional study was carried out at the Department of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Shaikh Zayed Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan during the period between July & December 2019. Patients with liver cirrhosis were recruited and information regarding disease, financial status, treatment expenses & dependency was recorded.<BR><B>UNASSIGNED: </B>A total of 450 patients were recruited, 272 (60%) were males & 178 (40%) were females, with mean age 55.4±6.2 years. HCV was cause of cirrhosis in 86% of cases, 65% were diagnosed incidentally and 39.6% were illiterate. About 82.7% were urban while only 28.7% own their own home. Co-morbid conditions including diabetes, hypertension & ischemic heart disease were present in 54% of cases. Monthly income was <PKR 45,000 in 23% of cases while 47% were non-earning.<BR><B>UNASSIGNED: </B>Our study shows the financial difficulties & dependency faced by patients with liver cirrhosis. Aggressive national screening is required to discover infected patients before cirrhosis develops.