Expenditure on complementary and alternative medicine and productivity losses in patients with primary dysmenorrhea: A survey of women in Korea

Abstract

In women with primary dysmenorrhea (PD), the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) and productivity losses at both workplaces and schools have not been comprehensively assessed. In this study, researchers evaluated the disease burden in women with PD in patients’ perspective in two categories: direct cost (the use of CAM and associated costs) and indirect cost (productivity losses). Women with PD aged 16–49 years were asked to fill an online survey in 2017. The survey consisted of 49 questions. CAM included traditional Korean medicines, over-the-counter products, dietary supplements, and traditional remedies. All costs were expressed in US dollars in this study. The survey data from 86 patients with PD were analyzed. The total mean annual cost per patient with PD was $4053, comprising direct costs ($1245) and indirect costs ($2807). PD causes considerable expenditure on CAM and impairs work productivity (especially in presenteeism).

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Ethics statement

Ethical approval has been confirmed from the Institutional Review Board of Kyung Hee University Hospital at Gangdong (approval no. KHNMCOH 2018-10-005).

Additional information

Funding

This study was supported by the Traditional Korean Medicine R&D Program funded by the Ministry of Health & Welfare through the Korea Health Industry Development Institute (KHIDI) (HB16C0018).