Vuyisile Jabulile Ginindza

Cost analysis of hospital-based symptomatic uterine fibroids in the kingdom of Eswatini: A prevalence-based cost-of-illness study

Background Uterine fibroids are common benign tumours of uterine smooth muscle. It has been established that uterine fibroids cause a marked global financial burden on healthcare systems and society; however, significant gaps exist in the knowledge of costs related to uterine fibroids. This study aimed to estimate costs associated with the diagnosis, care, and management of uterine fibroids in Eswatini. Methods The study employed the Cost of Illness (COI) method, a retrospective prevalence cost model. The provider’s perspective was used to estimate all identifiable direct medical costs of UFs. Data was collected from participants’ charge and claims records from the hospitals between 21 August 2021 and 21 August 2022. The study employed a bottom-up approach to estimate all patient costs related to uterine fibroids care and treatment. The costs were calculated at the 2022 price level and converted to United States dollars (USD) using private-payer prices. Results The total annual direct medical cost of uterine fibroids in Eswatini was estimated at USD 837894.60. This includes the total estimated costs of outpatient treatment and care, surgical treatment and care, and inpatient treatment and care. The key cost drivers were surgical and inpatient costs, USD 421583.18 and USD 110716.59, respectively. Conclusion The total annual cost estimation of uterine fibroids care is significantly high, with the majority of the cost related to theatre and hospitalisation charges. Understanding these financial implications can help guide healthcare policies and resource management.

Mapping evidence on the distribution of uterine fibroids in sub-Saharan Africa: A scoping review protocol

Background Uterine fibroids are the most common pelvic benign tumours found in reproductive-aged women and may affect up to 70% of all women by menopause. Uterine fibroids place a heavy burden on women and society resulting in poor quality of life, impaired self-image, and impaired social, sexual, emotional, and physical well-being of affected individuals. Aim This study aims to map the evidence on the burden of uterine fibroids in Sub-Saharan Africa; uterine fibroids’ burden by age, uterine fibroids’ geographic burden, uterine fibroids’ cost estimation and reported experiences among women diagnosed with uterine fibroids. Setting Articles will be selected from countries within Sub-Saharan Africa Methods and analysis This scoping review will be guided by the Arksey & O’Malley framework, enhanced by Levac et al (2010). The following electronic databases will be searched; PubMed, EBSCOhost (Cumulated Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature and Health Source), Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online, Cochrane Library, Scopus, Web of Science, Africa Journal Online, and Google Scholar. The Population Concept and Context (PCC) framework will be used and the PRISMA flow diagram will also be used to show the literature search and selection of studies. Descriptive data analysis will be used; results will be presented in themes, narrative summaries, tables, and charts. Discussion The study anticipates finding relevant literature on the distribution of uterine fibroids, the burden of uterine fibroids in terms of geographic distribution, age distribution, and cost approximation related to the disease. This will assist in identifying research gaps to guide future research contribute to the body of scientific knowledge and develop preventative strategies for the disease.