Burden of metabolic syndrome on primary healthcare costs among older adults: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND

The impact of metabolic syndrome (MetS) on healthcare costs remains unclear in the literature.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the impact of MetS on primary healthcare costs of adults, as well as to identify the impact of physical activity and other covariates on this phenomenon.

DESIGN AND SETTING

This cross-sectional study was conducted in the city of Presidente Prudente, State of São Paulo/Brazil, in 2016.

METHODS

The sample comprised 159 older adults (> 50 years) of both sexes (110 women) who were identified from their medical records in the Brazilian National Health Service. Healthcare costs (US$) were assessed through medical records and divided into medical consultations, medications, laboratory tests, and total costs. MetS was assessed using medical records.

RESULTS

The Brazilian National Health Service spent more on consultations (US$ 22.75 versus US$ 19.39; + 17.3%) and medication (US$ 19.65 versus US$ 8.32; + 136.1%) among adults with MetS than among those without MetS, but the costs for laboratory tests were similar (P = 0.343). Total costs were 53.9% higher in adults with MetS than in those without the diagnosis of the disease (P = 0.001). Regarding total costs, there was an increase of US$ 38.97 when five components of MetS were present (P = 0.015), representing an increase of approximately 700%, even after adjusting for sex, age, and physical activity.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, the presence of the MetS is responsible for increasing primary care costs among older adults, especially in those related to medicines.