Estimating the clinical and economic burden of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) among adult patients in India using the CAP burden of illness questionnaire

Background Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP), a prevalent lower respiratory tract infection, poses a significant health and economic burden. This study explores the clinical and economic implications of CAP among adults in diverse medical centers in India, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive understanding of its impact. Methods A cross-sectional multicenter survey, employing the CAP-Burden of Illness Questionnaire, was conducted among newly diagnosed severe CAP patients treated in seven participating medical centers. Both inpatient and outpatient cohorts were included, and data on symptoms, comorbidities, treatment patterns, and resource utilization were collected. The study involved 188 patients, and statistical analyses were performed using SPSS® (version 22) statistical software. Results The CAP-Burden of Illness Questionnaire revealed the persistence of symptoms, impacting daily life and work productivity. Hospitalized patients faced longer recovery times and increased resource utilization. As per the pulmonologists, the hospitalized patients in a private setting had an average length of stay (LOS) of 9 days in the ICU and 5 days in the general ward, whereas at the government hospital, the average LOS in the ICU was an average of 30 days and 8.5 days in the general ward. Average inpatient costs were INR 2,10,862 per patient in private hospitals and INR 5,575 per patient in government hospitals. Non-hospitalized patients reported an average outpatient treatment cost of INR 4,121 per patient in private settings and INR 200 per patient in government hospitals. Conclusion The economic analysis sheds light on the disparities in treatment costs, emphasizing the importance of considering healthcare settings. Addressing the multifaceted challenges of CAP requires a holistic approach, encompassing preventive measures, early detection, and targeted management strategies.