Endocrinol Metab.  2014 Sep;29(3):257-269. 10.3803/EnM.2014.29.3.257.

Cost-of-Illness Trends Associated with Thyroid Disease in Korea

• Hyun KR
• Kang S
• Lee S

• KMID: 2169462
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3803/EnM.2014.29.3.257

Abstract

BACKGROUND
The purpose of this study is to analyze the scale of and trends associated with the cost-of-illness of thyroid disease in Korea at 2-year intervals during the last 10 years for which data are available.
METHODS
Cost-of-illness was estimated in terms of direct and indirect costs. Direct costs include direct medical costs due to hospitalization, outpatient and pharmacy sectors, transportation, and care-giver costs. Indirect costs include future income loss due to premature death and loss of productivity as a result of absence from work.
RESULTS
The cost-of-illness of thyroid disease in Korea was estimated at 224.2 billion won in 2002, 303.4 billion won in 2004, 400.3 billion won in 2006, 570.4 billion won in 2008, and 762.2 billion won in 2010. For example, the cost-of-illness of thyroid disease in 2010 was 3.4 times greater compared to 2002. The direct cost of the total cost-of-illness was 69.7%, which accounted for the highest proportion of costs. Cost-of-illness for individuals between the ages of 30 and 50 accounted for the greatest share of costs.
CONCLUSION
The cost-of-illness of thyroid disease was relatively large in economically active age groups, and demonstrated a very rapid growth rate compared to other major diseases in Korea. Therefore, we suggest nationwide recognition of the importance of prevention and management of thyroid disease and prioritization of the management of thyroid disease among current and future health promotion policies in Korea.

Keyword

Thyroid Diseases; Direct cost; Indirect cost; Cost of illness

MeSH Terms

Cost of Illness
Efficiency
Health Promotion
Hospitalization
Humans
Korea
Mortality, Premature
Outpatients
Pharmacy
Thyroid Diseases*
Transportation

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