Abstract

<p>This study aimed to assess the non-drug expenditures incurred by patients managing type-2 diabetes mellitus at the Enugu State University Teaching Hospital (ESUTH), Enugu, Nigeria. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in 2021, involving 422 patients diagnosed with type-2 diabetes mellitus. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire, which inquired about workdays missed, time spent in healthcare facilities, expenditures on household help, transportation, special diets, and physiotherapy (if applicable). The results revealed that 60.4% of participants missed at least 10 days of work annually due to their condition, and 40.8% spent 2-4 hours per visit to the hospital. Additionally, 35.3% of patients hired household help, with most paying less than N5,000 per month. Around 32.7% of participants spent under N2,000 for transportation to attend medical appointments. Furthermore, 38.6% experienced complications, and 14% of these patients reported spending between N5,000 and N10,000 annually on managing complications. The findings suggest that the non-drug costs associated with managing type-2 diabetes can significantly exceed the costs of medications and related accessories. The burden of these indirect expenses, such as lost productivity and the need for additional household support, is substantial, highlighting the importance of considering these hidden costs in diabetes care management</p>