Healthy Skepticism Library item: 12875

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Publication type: Journal Article

Lima MG, Ribeiro AQ, Acurcio Fde A, Rozenfeld S, Klein CH.
[Out-of-pocket drug expenditures by retirees and pensioners 60 years and older in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil].
Cad Saude Publica 2007 Jun; 23:(6):1423-30
http://www.scielosp.org/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0102-311X2007000600017&lng=en&nrm=iso&tlng=en

Abstract:

The aim of this study was to analyze the structure of private drug expenditures by individuals 60 years and older in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil. The study population consisted of a representative sample of retirees under the National Social Security Institute (INSS) in the city of Belo Horizonte, interviewed through a household survey. Monthly out-of-pocket drug expenditures were calculated, and a drug cost structure analysis was performed according to drug characteristics. 667 elders answered the survey. Mean drug expenditures per month were US$ 38.91. The therapeutic groups representing the majority of drug expenditures were: cardiovascular system (26%), nervous system (24%), and digestive/metabolic system (15%). Considering drug registration categories, brand-name drugs accounted for the majority of expenditures (54%). The results of this study can support policies to improve both access to medicines and overall health conditions for the Brazilian elderly population.

Keywords:
Aged Aged, 80 and over Brazil Drug Utilization/economics* Drug Utilization/statistics & numerical data Female Health Expenditures/statistics & numerical data* Humans Interviews as Topic Male Middle Aged Retirement/statistics & numerical data*