Multicenter, cross-sectional study of the economic burden of multiple sclerosis and cost-driving factors

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurodegenerative disease impacting young adults, reducing quality of life and imposing economic burdens.

This study estimated MS costs in Algeria from a societal perspective, analyzed cost variations by disease severity, and provided insights for enhancing MS management and healthcare planning.

A cross-sectional, bottom-up cost-of-illness study used a validated questionnaire to collect demographic, clinical, and socioeconomic data from MS patients. Data included disease-modifying therapy (DMT) use, MS course, and EDSS scores. Direct costs (medical and non-medical) and indirect costs (productivity losses from absenteeism and early retirement) were calculated. Cost drivers were analyzed using generalized linear models.

Among 354 patients, the total annual societal cost per MS patient was $9,636.5 (95% CI: 9101.2 –10,178), with a mean EDSS score of 3.1 (SD 2.1). Direct costs accounted for 93.31%, with DMTs comprising 94.42% of direct medical costs. Costs rose with disease severity, from $8,697.9 (95% CI: 8060.9–9326.8) for mild MS to $12,450.8 (95% CI: 10137.2 –14,773.6) for severe MS (p < 0.001).

This study highlights MS’s economic burden in Algeria, with DMTs as the primary cost driver. Optimized resource allocation and cost-effective DMT strategies are essential to improve MS care.