Abstract
While direct non-medical costs (DNMc) are inevitable for healthcare seekers, little is known about the magnitude of the economic burden on the household. The study aims to estimate the DNMc of outpatients
at Suratthani hospital and four primary care units (PCUs) in Suratthani’s municipal area. In addition,
the DNMc of patients were compared across different health centers as well as the patients’ household
areas.
We interviewed 200 patients/caretakers at the out-patient department at Suratthani hospital and
147 patients/caretakers at 4 PCUs in the municipal area from 24 October to 21 December 2012. All cost
data were collected and calculated using 2012 as the base year. Statistical analysis, including t-test and
ANOVA, was performed to compare the DNMc between subgroups, with a statistical significance level of
0.05.
The average DNMc of patients at PCUs, 76.7 baht, were significantly lower than those incurred by
patients at the hospital, 585.6 baht. Within this latter group, the DNMc of those who lived in the municipal
area, outside the municipal area, in Suratthani, and outside Suratthani were 248.3, 774.8 and 1,719.4 baht,
respectively, with statistically significant differences.
The study quantifies the household cost for out-patients, demonstrating potential economic barriers
faced by health care seekers. Information from this study can be used when designing a treatment and
referral system that seeks to minimize the financial burden on the patient.
