Analysis of Factors Influencing Hospitalization Expenses of Patients With Gastric Cancer in Shanghai, 2014-2021: Based on Grey Relational Analysis and Structural Equation Modeling

This study analyzed the basic condition and the influencing factors of hospitalization costs of patients with gastric cancer in Shanghai from 2014 to 2021, so as to provide a scientific reference for promoting the reform of the medical and healthcare system. The study data were obtained from the electronic medical record system of Shanghai Hospital. The grey relational analysis was applied to analyze the correlation strength of various expenses with hospitalization costs. The structural equation modeling was constructed to analyze the influences of factors on the hospitalization expenses, as well as the relationship between each factor. A total of 23 335 study subjects were included. The results of grey relational analysis showed that the total cost of drugs had the strongest correlation with hospitalization expenses, followed by material expenses and surgery cost, whereas those of others were lower. The results of the structural equation modeling showed that age had the greatest influence on hospitalization expenses with a path coefficient of 0.618. Other influencing factors included surgery history, length of stay, hospital level, gender, and medical insurance. The total cost of drugs had the strongest correlation with hospitalization expenses. Factors such as gender, age, and hospital level all affect the hospitalization expenses. In the future, it is necessary to take further measures to control the cost of drugs and constantly optimize the structure of hospitalization costs. Meanwhile, the reform of the medical and healthcare system should be deepened to reasonably regulate the medical behaviors and reduce the financial burden of patients. •Few studies have analyzed the economic burden of gastric cancer (GC), and focuses on the factors that influence hospitalization costs for GC are especially rare. Data on hospital costs for GC in China are still very limited and poor in comparability. Meanwhile, since the rapid growth of medical costs and the increase in residents’ demand for health services, it is urgent to contain the hospitalization costs of patients with GC within a reasonable range.•The grey relational analysis was applied to analyze the correlation strength of total cost of drugs, nursing expenses, diagnostic test fee, and other expenses with hospitalization costs. The structural equation modeling was constructed to analyze the influences of factors including gender, age, medical insurance, surgery history, hospital level, and length of stay o