Palmer, MichaelNguyen, Thi Minh ThuyNeeman, TeresaBerry, HelenHull, TerenceHarley, David2015-12-081099-1751http://hdl.handle.net/1885/36524There is a need for nationally representative information on the affordability of health care by disability status to assist in the design of equitable health systems in developing countries. Using the Viet Nam National Health Survey (2001-2002), this paper analyses health care utilization, cost burden and coping strategies for people with disabilities versus the population at large. The results clearly show that the disabled population are more prone to hospitalization, and spend more on inpatient stays and pharmaceuticals. Households with disabled members are at greater risk of catastrophic health expenditures and debt financing, posing a serious threat to economic welfare.Keywords: debt; developing world; disability; drug; economic impact; health expenditure; health risk; health survey; hospital sector; welfare economics; Viet Nam Catastrophic health expenditures; Health care disparities; Health care financing; Persons with disabilities; Viet Nam201110.1002/hpm.10522016-02-24