Economic Burden of Obstructive Sleep Apnea: A Case Study from Kermanshah, Iran

Abstract

Background: Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a widespread sleep-related disorder impacting millions worldwide, with significant effects on individuals and healthcare systems. Objectives: This study aimed to assess the economic burden of OSA in Kermanshah, western Iran. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 179 OSA patients were recruited. A prevalence-based Cost of Illness (COI) approach was utilized to estimate the economic burden of OSA. Costs were analyzed from a societal perspective, employing a top-down methodology. Data on the background and economic burden of OSA were collected through phone interviews. The cost per patient was calculated over a one-year period. All costs were initially expressed in Iranian Rials and later converted to US dollars. Results: The study revealed a mean cost of $183 per patient annually, with direct healthcare costs comprising 90.2% of the total expenses, primarily for diagnostic procedures and treatments. Despite this, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) uptake was remarkably low (1.1%), indicating barriers to optimal care. The mean age of patients was 48 years, with the majority being male (65.9%) and overweight or obese (81%). Drowsiness-related car accidents (7.8%) and workplace incidents (5%) highlighted OSA's safety and productivity impacts. Costs showed no significant variation across demographic variables. Conclusions: In our study, direct healthcare costs constituted the largest component of OSA-related expenses. These findings serve as a warning for health policymakers in Iran about the substantial economic implications of OSA.