Evaluation of the Cost of Treating Cirrhosis in Patients Hospitalised in the Hepatology and Gastroenterology Department of the Sourô Sanou University Hospital Center

Abstract

Introduction : Liver cirrhosis is the final stage of many chronic liver diseases and remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality. In Burkina Faso, it is the most prevalent liver disease, but its medical and economic implications have been little explored. The aim of this study was to assess the costs of hospital care for cirrhosis at the Sourô Sanou University Hospital Centre (CHUSS) in Bobo-Dioulasso. Methods : An observational, cross-sectional, descriptive study was conducted from 1 March to 1 May 2025. It involved 50 cirrhotic patients hospitalised in the Hepatology and Gastroenterology Department who met the inclusion criteria and agreed to participate. Sociodemographic, clinical and economic variables were collected and analysed. Results : The average age of patients was 50.8 years, with a sex ratio of 5.25. Fifty-four per cent of patients were farmers, most of whom lived in rural areas. Two had health insurance. Self-funding and family support were the two primary financing sources: half paid for their own care and 44% of the funding came from parents. The median monthly income was 83.300 CFA francs (139 USD). The average length of hospital stay was 5.4 ± 1.7 days. The average direct medical cost was 168,710 CFA francs (281 USD), dominated by paraclinical examinations (108,588 CFA francs or 181 USD), followed by treatment (53,780 CFA francs or 90 USD) and hospitalisation (5600 CFA francs or 9.3 USD). The average direct non-medical cost was estimated at 18,886 CFA francs (31.5 USD). In cases of hepatic encephalopathy, the cost peaked at 196,352 CFA francs (327.25 USD). Indirect costs, assessed in 16 patients, averaged 12,153 CFA francs (20.25 USD). Conclusion : Hospital care for cirrhosis at the CHUSS represents a considerable economic burden for patients and their families, in a context marked by the absence of universal health coverage.