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BMC Health Services Research
Published in: BMC Health Services Research 1/2015

Open Access 01-12-2015 | Research article

Association between chronic disease and catastrophic health expenditure in Korea

Authors: Jae-Woo Choi, Jong-Won Choi, Jae-Hyun Kim, Ki-Bong Yoo, Eun-Cheol Park

Published in: BMC Health Services Research | Issue 1/2015

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Abstract

Background

The prevalence and economic burden of chronic diseases are increasing worldwide. Nevertheless, little information is available on catastrophic health expenditures (CHE) associated with chronic diseases in Korea. This study explored the burden of household out-of-pocket health expenditures among the Korean population for different chronic diseases.

Methods

This study was conducted utilizing data collected from the 7,006 households that participated in the Korea Health Panel Survey (KHPS) in 2008. The effect of CHE in relation to type of chronic disease was assessed via multiple logistic regression analysis.

Results

Roughly 3.5% of the participating households experienced CHE. As opposed to households headed by females and middle-aged individuals (40–59 years), those of low economic status, elderly households, and households with a member who suffered from a chronic disease were more likely to experience CHE. According to type of chronic condition, households with a member who suffered from cerebrovascular disease, diabetes, or chronic kidney disease were at a significantly higher risk of experiencing CHE.

Conclusion

Although Korea has greatly expanded its health insurance coverage, financial protection against CHE remains a concern. Policy-makers need to focus on expanding benefits according to the economic burden of individual chronic conditions.
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Metadata
Title
Association between chronic disease and catastrophic health expenditure in Korea
Authors
Jae-Woo Choi
Jong-Won Choi
Jae-Hyun Kim
Ki-Bong Yoo
Eun-Cheol Park
Publication date
01-12-2015
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Health Services Research / Issue 1/2015
Electronic ISSN: 1472-6963
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-014-0675-1

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