Keywords
dengue
economic and social impact
systematic review
Categories
How to Cite
Abstract
Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the social and economic impacts and disease burden of dengue fever globally through a systematic literature review. Methods: We performed a comprehensive literature search through MEDLINE (via PubMed), LILACS, EMBASE, Web of Science, and grey literature, including studies of populations diagnosed with dengue fever or at risk of infection published in English, Spanish, French, or Portuguese, without date restrictions. Two reviewers independently performed study selection, data extraction, and quality assessment. Methodological quality was assessed using different tools. Results: Seventy-eight publications were included. Until 2010, publications originated solely from the Asian and American continents. From 2015 onwards, South America and Southeast Asia emerged as the predominant sources. Publications were classified as cost studies (48), including cost-of-illness (42) and program cost (6); burden of disease studies (18); cost-outcome studies (8), including cost-effectiveness (6) and cost-utility (2); and quality-of-life studies (12). Reported total direct costs associated with dengue fever ranged from US$15.0 per outpatient case (Burkina Faso) to US$8.9 billion globally (2013). Direct medical costs varied from US$4.35 per outpatient case (China) to US$9,386.1 per ICU patient (Mexico). Vector control program costs ranged from US$888,000 annually (Greece, 2013–2017) to US$466 million (Brazil, 2016). Estimated disability-adjusted life years per 100,000 population ranged from 24.3 (Cambodia, 2008) to 3,267.6 (Paraguay). Quality-of-life studies demonstrated substantial declines across multiple domains, indicating significant functional impairment due to dengue fever. Conclusion: Dengue fever imposes a considerable economic and social burden, representing one of the most significant arboviral diseases globally. These findings underscore the need for further research to accurately quantify the full scope of dengue fever-related costs and impacts on affected populations.
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