ArticleInfectious diseases and therapy2026
Estimation of Costs Related to the Management of Herpes Zoster and its Complications in Vietnam: A Medical Chart Review.
Article in Infectious diseases and therapy, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
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Abstract
introductionHerpes zoster (HZ) represents a significant health and economic burden in Vietnam, driven by direct medical costs and influenced by patient's age, comorbidities, immunodeficiency, and HZ complications, including postherpetic neuralgia. This study was conducted to improve knowledge about the economic burden of HZ and associated costs in Vietnam.
methodsA retrospective cost-of-illness study was conducted using medical chart records of patients with HZ who sought medical care in July 2022-June 2023 at six specialized dermatologic hospitals in Vietnam. Total direct medical costs of HZ management were calculated per patient and per hospital visit, and analyzed according to age, health insurance or out-of-pocket payment, complications, comorbidities, and immune status. Costs were collected in Vietnamese dong in 2023 and converted to 2023 US dollars. Direct nonmedical and indirect costs were estimated based on published studies.
resultsThe study included 1828 patients. The mean direct medical costs of HZ treatment were $114 per patient and $92 per hospital visit. Direct medical costs were influenced by older age, presence of complications and comorbidities, and immunodeficiency. Mean direct nonmedical costs were $18 per patient and $14 per visit, and indirect costs were estimated at $104 per patient and $84 per visit. Direct costs were generally higher for inpatients than outpatients. Indirect costs were largely similar for inpatients and outpatients. Out-of-pocket payments contributed more towards direct medical costs than health insurance payments.
conclusionHZ and its complications impose a significant burden on patients and the private healthcare sector in Vietnam. Older age, comorbidities, immunodeficiency, and hospitalization were identified as key cost drivers in HZ management. The findings reflect the importance of introducing new management options to reduce the economic burden of HZ, and could support decision-making related to HZ prevention.
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