Cost and Its Determinants of Treating Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in the North West Region of Cameroon: Quantile Regression Analysis

<i>Background:</i> Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is, particularly, known to require continuous clinical care and management that consumes significant healthcare resources. As a result, most people living with type 2 Diabetes in Cameroon, are prone to suffer from financial hardship. This research seeks to estimate the direct cost and its determinants of treating T2DM in the Northwest of Cameroon. <I>METHOD:</I> A cost of illness using a cross-sectional research design study was conducted in 13 facilities in Cameroon’s Northwest region during a 4-month field survey. Data was obtained with the help of a semi-structured questionnaire administered by trained nurses. Summary statistics were computed to understand the socio-demographic characteristics of participants, and the various elements of treatment costs of type 2 diabetes. The direct cost of treating type 2 diabetes was computed by summing all the diabetes-attributable resource utilization costs incurred by the patient The determinants for treating T2DM were investigated using an ordinary least squares (OLS) regression and a quantile regression analysis. <I>RESULTS: </I>According to the findings, the average cost of treating type 2 diabetes among patients in the Northwest region of Cameroon, was 36,235 FCFA ($60) monthly or 424,000 FCFA ($720) yearly. The determinants were; the type of facility which was significant for the 10<sup>th</sup> and 25<sup>th</sup> quintiles, and age influence cost across the various models and quantiles, the study also revealed the effect of age on the cost increase from the lower to the higher quintile. The level of education influenced the direct cost and this was significant from the 50<sup>th</sup> quintile to the 90<sup>th</sup> quintile with higher levels of education leading to higher costs. Other factors included the household head, frequency of check-up visits to the facility, self-care management, and means of transportation. Gender and marital status influence cost but not across the quintiles. <I>CONCLUSION:</I> The studies revealed that T2DM places a significant cost burden on the patient and their household with determinants being the type of facility where care is sorted, age, level of education, and means of transport. Increased financial resources are required to provide T2DM patients with effective services in the Northwest region of Cameroon. A sincere call is sent to health decision-makers to give more importance to including diabetes care in the package of universal health coverage soonest.