Hospitalization cost for pulmonary tuberculosis patients in a city of Liaoning province: 2007 – 2017

Objective To examine hospitalization expenses and its influencing factors in pulmonary tuberculosis patients in a city of Liaoning province.

Methods We collected the data on 42 356 pulmonary tuberculosis patients hospitalized from January 2007 through 2017 in a city of Liaoning province and analyzed the data retrospectively.

Results The average hospitalization expenses increased from 3 674.54 yuan (RMB) in 2007 to 13 722.64 yuan in 2017 per tuberculosis patient(χ² = 110.00, P < 0.01). The proportion of drug fee and examination fee in TB patients were relatively high, accounting for 57.90% and 23.13% of the total hospitalization cost. The hospitalization expenses was influenced by the patient's discharge status, hospitalization days, occupation, payment method, age, marital status, gender, and the grade of the hospital being admitted to.

Conclusion The hospitalization expenses of tuberculosis patients increased generally during 2007 – 2017 and measures should be taken to reduce financial burden of the patients.