Abstract:
BACKGROUND: Cannabis use is more prevalent among people with schizophrenia than in the
general population. This usage detrimentally impacts disease prognosis, contributing to
escalated admissions, heightened severity of psychotic symptoms, and reduced medication
response. The recent decriminalisation of cannabis in South Africa may lead to an upsurge in
usage, consequently intensifying the strain on mental healthcare services.
AIM : This study aimed to compare the medication costs of patients with schizophrenia
depending on cannabis use.
SETTING : Weskoppies Hospital, Pretoria, South Africa, 2018–2019.
METHODS : Data pertaining to medication expenses during the 2018–2019 period were acquired
from the hospital pharmacy. Data were collected from 114 patient records to form two equal
cohorts: one exposed to cannabis and the other non-exposed, as indicated by urine drug
screens or admission of cannabis use. Medications prescribed from admission to time of being
ready for discharge were recorded and corresponding costs were calculated.
RESULTS : Patients who were exposed to cannabis had higher medication costs (R 516.47) than
patients who were non-exposed (R 328.69) (p = 0.0519), over the whole admission period.
CONCLUSION : Cannabis exposure escalates the financial burden of treating schizophrenia at
Weskoppies Hospital. This might be attributed to failure of cost-effective, first-line medications
prompting the prescription of costlier, second-line alternatives or higher prescribed dosages.
CONTRIBUTION : This study contributes to findings that it is more expensive to treat patients with
schizophrenia who have relapsed, if they are using cannabis. This finding has future cost
implications when budgeting for pharmacotherapeutic treatment.
Description:
DATA AVAILABILITY : Raw data were generated at the Medical Research Council.
Derived data supporting the findings of this study are
available from the corresponding author, G.L., on request.
