Direct and indirect cost analysis of parkinson's disease in Türkiye: Antalya example

Objective: This study aims to analyze the direct and indirect costs of Parkinson's disease in Turkey from both patient and public payer perspectives, and to identify the key determinants influencing these costs. Method: The research involved face-to-face interviews with 85 patients diagnosed with Parkinson's disease who applied to the Neurology Clinic of Akdeniz University Hospital between January 2023 and December 2024. Data covering a 12-month period were collected using a structured form developed by the researcher. Results: The majority of participants were aged 65 and above, with 67.1% being male and 90.6% married. The total annual cost of Parkinson's disease in Turkey was estimated at $773,344.52. Of this, 35.08% represented direct costs and 64.92% represented indirect costs. Total direct costs amounted to $271,313.37, of which 84.29% was publicly funded and 15.71% paid out-of-pocket by patients. The average annual per capita cost was calculated as $9,096.41, corresponding to 58% of Turkey's per capita gross domestic product (GDP). Among direct costs, the highest shares belonged to medication expenses (37.4%) and medical supplies (34.4%). No significant cost differences were found between inpatient and outpatient care. Conclusion: Parkinson's disease imposes a considerable economic burden on both the public sector and individuals in Turkey. Given that productivity loss constitutes a major share of the total economic impact, it is crucial to develop social and health policies that support continued employment and reduce premature withdrawal from the workforce for patients and their caregivers.