Cost calculation and economic analysis of violence in low-income country : a model for India

Abstract

Registry data on costs of injuries due to violence in low-income countries seldom cover the total burden imposed on the victim's family. An extended model was therefore developed, encompassing both socio-economic data and family characteristics. The model comprises 32 cost elements in four main categories : injury, death, deprivation and other costs. The main cost elements were income adjusted by family and years; income impact on the family; costs of physical, psychosocial and family deprivations, and cardinal approach of productivity loss. As a result of the five case studies performed in India, the supplementary variables contributed to a better understanding of the total burden on families. This adapted model could help to increase both validity and equality in household surveys. However, ethical issues related to the data collection procedure need to be considered and more empirical contributions from low-income countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America are warranted.