The Epidemiology and Economic Impact of Rhinosinusitis in Jos, North Central Nigeria

Abstract

Reports on the epidemiology of Rhinosinusitis in Nigeria are scarce and that on its economic impact is lacking. The aim of this work is to assess the prevalence and economic impact of rhinosinusitis in Jos, North-Central Nigeria. This is a one year prospective survey of patients presenting with rhinosinusitis at the Jos University Teaching Hospital. Patients were evaluated for age, gender, occupation, and duration of illness, the economic cost of consultation, investigations, treatment and the type of complications seen. Of the 486 new cases seen, 120 (24.7%) patients aged between 3 and 60 years presented with rhinosinusitis. The male to female ratio was 1:1.5. Forty two (35%) patients were aged between 31 and 40 years. Unemployed individuals constituted the majority. All patients were commenced on medical treatment and 16 (1.3%) surgeries were done. Complication rate was 2.8%. The recorded financial cost for initial treatment was 6,450 naira ($42US) and 41,450 naira ($269.2US) for patients requiring surgery/hospitalization. The prevalence of rhinosinusitis is high in our center. The economic burden of this disease is enormous for patients in our region where the monthly minimum wage is 7,500 Naira ($49US) and health care cost is the responsibility of the patient.