Household costs and catastrophic health expenditure from malaria in pregnancy in Western Kenya

The study examined the economic costs of malaria in pregnancy among 1,189 pregnant women in western Kenya receiving preventive treatment. Among participants, 21 percent (247 women) sought care for malaria in pregnancy, with outpatient care costing an average of USD 24.9 and hospitalization USD 57.1 per episode. Indirect costs (such as lost income) accounted for 87 percent of outpatient costs and 70 percent of hospitalization costs. Malaria costs for outpatient care equaled six or more days of minimum wage in the study area. Catastrophic health expenditure occurred in 8 percent of outpatient care cases. The study concluded that malaria in pregnancy represents a substantial economic burden on households, despite a national policy of free maternal health services. Most costs stem from productivity losses rather than payments for care.