Effects of Comorbidities on Hospitalization Costs of COVID-19 in Türkiye

Introduction: In December 2019, pneumonia associated with the 2019 novel Coronavirus or Severe acute respiratory syndrome-Coronavirus-2 emerged in Wuhan, China. Its effects on national and global economies have been tremendous. There is limited evidence regarding treatment costs for hospitals and the effects of comorbidities on treatment costs. These factors are crucial inputs for health policymakers. The main objective of this study was to retrospectively determine the direct healthcare costs of hospitalized Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) patients in Türkiye and estimate the effect of comorbidities on these costs. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted at two prominent research and training hospitals in İzmir, Türkiye, during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. General Linear Models were employed for the calculation of cost figures. The hospitalization costs of 2,067 patients with COVID-19 were analyzed, and the effects of comorbidities on the treatment costs of 532 patients with COVID-19 were estimated. Results: Our analysis based on the entire sample of 2,067 patients revealed that the mean hospitalization cost was $1,432.3 [purchasing power parity (PPP) $4,994.7]. The mean treatment cost is higher for male patients and increases with age and intensive care unit admissions. The mean length of hospitalization was 10.6 days [standard deviation (SD) ±8.5] and the mean length of intensive care unit hospitalization was 9.9 (SD ±9.6). The mean daily hospitalization cost was $135.25 (PPP $471.63) for 2,067 patients. Hospitalization costs for COVID-19 patients significantly increased due to factors, such as gender, age, intensive care unit hospitalization, and comorbidities, including myocardial infarction, cerebrovascular and transient ischemic attacks, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and chronic kidney disease, according to the analysis. Conclusion: COVID-19 is a novel pandemic that caused morbidity and mortality at considerable levels. A holistic approach to fighting the pandemic requires unraveling not only medical efforts but also financial aspects.