Atopic dermatitis (AD), a chronic skin condition characterized by inflamed, itchy skin, imposes a significant burden on individuals and society, particularly in the Middle East and Africa. Three studies conducted by Syreon Middle East, including a systematic literature review (SLR) for a more global perspective, aimed to quantify both the humanistic and economic impact of AD among adults and adolescents in these regions, with a specific focus on Saudi Arabia.
Consider the daily life of an AD patient: persistent itching disrupts sleep, affects concentration at work, and interferes with simple activities. This is the harsh reality for millions in these regions. Our studies demonstrate that AD has a profound impact on patients’ quality of life, causing physical discomfort, emotional distress, and social challenges.
In the Middle East and Africa, AD affects a significant portion of the population, with many patients requiring ongoing medical care. The economic impact of AD includes both direct medical costs and indirect costs such as reduced work productivity and absenteeism. This not only strains healthcare systems but also affects overall economic productivity in these regions. From an economic perspective, the direct costs associated with AD are substantial.
Regarding the Middle East and Africa region, for example, in Egypt, the direct medical costs for AD patients can exceed 10,000 Egyptian Pounds (EGP) annually per patient, accounting for consultations, treatments, and medications. According to the study, Egypt sees an overall annual economic burden of AD amounting to over 1.2 billion EGP. In Algeria, patients spend an average of 45,000 Algerian Dinars annually on AD treatments, which is a considerable amount given the average income levels. In South Africa, AD-related healthcare costs can reach up to 12,000 South African Rand (ZAR) per patient annually, with indirect costs adding to the overall financial strain. These examples illustrate the financial strain AD places on individuals and families in these regions.
In Saudi Arabia, similar trends are observed. The annual direct cost per AD patient is approximately 2,924 Saudi Riyal (SAR), totaling about 373 million SAR across the population. However, the indirect costs, such as lost productivity due to absenteeism and presenteeism (being present at work but not fully productive), are even more staggering. The total productivity loss amounts to around 1.36 billion SAR annually. Combined, the total economic burden of AD in Saudi Arabia reaches an estimated 1.7 billion SAR each year, equivalent to 0.059% of the national GDP.
To better understand these figures, consider this analogy: if the economic burden of AD were represented by the weight of an elephant, the direct costs would be the elephant’s legs, while the indirect costs would make up the rest of its massive body. The indirect costs are the true heavyweights, highlighting the profound impact of AD on the economy.
The systematic literature review (SLR) provided a broader, worldwide perspective on AD, confirming that these challenges are not confined to the Middle East and Africa but are indeed global. The SLR highlighted that AD is a common issue worldwide, with significant direct and indirect cost. It was found that managing each AD patient costs about $4,411 annually, with indirect costs (productivity loss) representing more than double the direct costs. In the United States, the annual cost per patient is estimated to be over $5,000, while in European countries, the economic burden also runs into billions of dollars collectively. The SLR emphasized the critical need for better management strategies and more efficient healthcare policies globally to mitigate the significant burdens of AD.
The studies also underscore the importance of addressing AD’s humanistic burden. Patients with AD endure significant quality of life losses, quantified in terms of Quality-Adjusted Life Years (QALYs). In Saudi Arabia, the total QALYs lost annually due to AD amount to approximately 64,000. This loss represents the diminished quality of life experienced by patients, manifesting in physical discomfort, emotional distress, and reduced social interactions. In Egypt, the QALYs lost annually due to AD are estimated at around 28,000. Algeria reports approximately 19,000 QALYs lost annually, while South Africa sees a loss of about 22,000 QALYs each year.
Moreover, AD’s impact extends beyond individual patients, affecting their families and caregivers. The constant care required for severe cases can lead to caregiver burnout, adding another layer to the humanistic burden. In hot climates like those found in the Middle East and Africa, where dry skin is more prevalent, the incidence of AD is higher, exacerbating these challenges. For instance, in Morocco, the dry and arid climate worsens AD symptoms, making daily management more difficult and costly for patients.
The studies’ findings highlight the need for comprehensive strategies to alleviate the burden of AD. Improving disease management through early diagnosis and effective treatments can significantly enhance patients’ quality of life and reduce economic costs. Additionally, raising awareness about AD and promoting skincare practices can help mitigate its impact. In South Africa, community health programs focused on educating patients about proper skincare routines have shown promise in reducing AD flare-ups and improving overall patient well-being.
Our research provides crucial insights for healthcare policymakers in the Middle East and Africa. By prioritizing AD in healthcare planning and resource allocation, authorities can implement targeted interventions to address this significant health issue. Such measures could lead to substantial savings in healthcare costs and improve the overall well-being of individuals affected by AD. For more details on the strategic approaches to reduce the burden of AD, refer to this study, also conducted by Syreon Middle East.[]
In conclusion, atopic dermatitis presents a formidable challenge in the Middle East and Africa, with substantial humanistic and economic burdens. By understanding the full scope of its impact, stakeholders can develop effective strategies to reduce the burden of this chronic condition. Our studies emphasize the importance of addressing both direct and indirect costs, highlighting the potential for significant improvements in patient quality of life and economic savings through better management and awareness initiatives.