Disparities in Out-of-Pocket Expenditures Among Hospitalized Patients With COVID-19 in Iran: A Decomposition Analysis of Inequality.

Abstract

Objectives: Limited information is available on the extent of inequality in out-of-pocket (OOP) expenditures among patients with COVID-19 in Iran and the factors contributing to this disparity. This study aimed to examine the inequality in OOP expenditures among hospitalized patients with COVID-19 and identify the associated factors.

Methods: This study used the Gini coefficient as the primary measure of inequality in OOP expenditures among hospitalized patients with COVID-19. The analysis was conducted using Stata 16 software, supplemented by the Distributive Analysis Stata Package extension. The Gini coefficient was calculated to quantify the degree of inequality and was visualized using graphs. To examine the Gini coefficient across population subgroups, a Distributive Analysis Stata Package extension, the diginig module, was used.

Results: Analysis of the Lorenz curve and the calculated Gini coefficient (0.69) confirmed the presence of inequality in OOP expenditures among hospitalized patients with COVID-19. Additionally, examination of inequality across population subgroups revealed that insurance status and type, clinical characteristics, and temporal patterns of hospitalization significantly contributed to the observed disparities in OOP expenditures among patients with COVID-19.

Conclusions: This study highlights the enduring impact of insurance status, clinical characteristics, and temporal patterns of hospitalization on the financial burden. The findings emphasize the need for targeted interventions to reduce financial barriers and promote equitable access to care, thus offering important insights for managing future public health crises.