Catastrophic cost and coping strategies of tuberculosis patients in a block of Purba Bardhaman District, West Bengal: A crossectional study

Background The elevated expenses associated with tuberculosis (TB), can hinder access to treatment and adherence. Objectives This study was done to find out catastrophic cost (defined as 20% of the total annual income) resulting from treatment and diagnosis of TB, factors associated with it and delineated the coping mechanisms employed by the affected individuals and their families. Materials and methods A cross sectional study was conducted for a period of 6 months, September 2023 to February 2024, among 146 patients registered in the Tuberculosis Unit (TU) of Bhatar block, Purba Bardhaman District,West Bengal. A pre validated questionnaire was used for interviewing the patients. Data was analysed using the principles of descriptive statistics, organised and presented in the form of tables. Results Out of 146 tuberculosis (TB) patients, the study revealed mean total cost incurred for TB-related services amounted to Rs 30,046 ± Rs 9406 with direct cost of Rs 2964.26 ± Rs 990.3 and indirect cost of Rs 27,406 ± Rs 9,351.54(36.9%) of the study population reported that their families faced catastrophic costs. Coping strategies like taking loan emerged as the most prevalent means, with 45(30.8%) patients reporting it followed by selling livestock which was prevalent among 14(9.6%) of them. Conclusions In spite of the implementation of Universal Health Coverage, TB-affected households still faces the risk of catastrophic total costs. A cost-mitigation policy and financial protection should be provided additionally along with better health care facility to all patients.