Economic Burden of Diabetes Mellitus in Urban Population of Pakistan: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of Direct and Indirect Costs

A Quantitative Assessment of Treatment Expenses and Productivity Losses

Authors

  • Ravina Kumari Lincoln University College, Malaysia Author
  • Noor-Ul-Ain Government of Sindh, Karachi Author
  • Saadia Munir Health Services Academy, Islamabad Author
  • Sana Mumtaz Health Services Academy, Islamabad Author
  • Rabia Rauf Health Service Academy, Islamabad Author
  • Kashmala Khan Sindh Institute of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Karachi Author
  • Hafiz Ali Bin Asim Foundation University, Islamabad Author
  • Muhammad Anees Farooque Health Services Academy, Islamabad Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.63516/

Keywords:

diabetes mellitus, economic burden, urban Pakistan, healthcare costs, catastrophic health expenditure

Abstract

Background: Diabetes mellitus represents a rapidly growing public health challenge in Pakistan, with urban populations experiencing particularly high prevalence rates. The economic burden on individuals, families, and healthcare systems remains inadequately quantified, limiting evidence-based policy formulation. To comprehensively assess the direct and indirect economic costs associated with diabetes mellitus among urban populations in Pakistan.

Methods: A cross-sectional analysis was conducted across major healthcare facilities in Islamabad and Karachi involving 1,324 diagnosed diabetic patients recruited through systematic sampling. Direct costs included medical expenses (consultations, medications, laboratory tests, hospitalizations), while indirect costs encompassed productivity losses, transportation expenses, and caregiver time. Data collection utilized structured questionnaires, medical record reviews, and three-month cost diaries. Economic analysis was conducted from healthcare system and societal perspectives.

Results: Mean annual direct medical costs were PKR 89,750 per patient in Islamabad and PKR 76,340 in Karachi. Total annual costs including indirect expenses reached PKR 156,890 and PKR 134,220 respectively. Medications constituted 43.2% of direct costs, followed by monitoring and consultations (28.7%). Catastrophic health expenditure affected 52.8% of families in Islamabad and 58.3% in Karachi. Type 2 diabetes patients with complications incurred 2.3 times higher costs than those without complications. Lower-income families spent proportionally more household income on diabetes management (18.4% vs. 7.2%).

Conclusion: Diabetes mellitus imposes significant economic burden on urban Pakistani populations, with substantial costs disproportionately affecting lower-income families. High catastrophic health expenditure prevalence indicates inadequate financial protection mechanisms. Findings highlight urgent needs for comprehensive prevention programs, improved healthcare financing, and enhanced primary care services.

Author Biographies

  • Ravina Kumari, Lincoln University College, Malaysia

    PhD Scholar

     

  • Noor-Ul-Ain, Government of Sindh, Karachi

    Research Associate (Health Section), Planning & Development Department

  • Saadia Munir, Health Services Academy, Islamabad

    DHIS2 Implementer, Health Information Systems Program Pakistan, Islamabad

     

  • Sana Mumtaz , Health Services Academy, Islamabad

    Demonstrator

     

  • Rabia Rauf , Health Service Academy, Islamabad

    Physiotherapist

     

  • Kashmala Khan, Sindh Institute of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Karachi

    Assistant Professor

     

  • Hafiz Ali Bin Asim , Foundation University, Islamabad

    Senior Lecturer

     

  • Muhammad Anees Farooque , Health Services Academy, Islamabad

    Assistant Professor

     

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Published

30-06-2025

How to Cite

Economic Burden of Diabetes Mellitus in Urban Population of Pakistan: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of Direct and Indirect Costs: A Quantitative Assessment of Treatment Expenses and Productivity Losses. (2025). Archives of Management and Social Sciences , 2(2), 21-39. https://doi.org/10.63516/

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