Cost Analysis of Screening Methods for Gestational Diabetes in Pregnant Women Referred to Gynecology Hospitals of Medical Sciences Universities in Tehran

: Background: The American Diabetes Association defines gestational diabetes as no glucose tolerance in the second or third quarter of gestational. Gestational diabetes imposes a huge economic burden on the health system. Diagnosis of gestational diabetes is important because it not only predict prenatal disorders, but also affects the long-term outcomes of the mother and child. Since screening tests are costly, it is necessary to find a cheaper method with an acceptable feature. Objectives: The present study aimed to examine the costs of gestational diabetes screening in pregnant women referring to Gynecology Hospitals of Medical Sciences Universities in Tehran. Methods: This is a descriptive-analytical study conducted in 2016 in the selected hospitals affiliated to the medical science universities in Tehran. The study population included all pregnant women with no risk factors referring to the selected centers. A multi-stage random sampling model was utilized, and the sample size was 392. The data were gathered through cost forms and interviews, and were analyzed using SPSS18 software, t-test, and one-way ANOVA. Results: The mean direct medical costs, direct non-medical costs, and, indirect costs of the one-step method were $516,960, $71,593, and $142,162, respectively. Also, the mean direct medical costs, direct non-medical costs, and indirect costs of the two-step method were $262,890, $46,536, and $28,621, respectively. Conclusions: Screening using the two-step method is cheaper to diagnose diabetes. So, the results of this study can help gynecologists to use the two-step method for diagnosis at a lower cost.