One in four surgical patients in Ethiopia faces catastrophic health expenditure, jeopardizing access to essential care.

• 25% of surgical patients incurred costs exceeding 10% of their household income.
• Major cost drivers: medications (37%), non-medical expenses like transportation (20%), and surgical fees (14%).

Understanding these financial risks can assist surgeons in patient counseling and help identify those at higher risk for financial distress.

• Increased risk noted among unmarried individuals, smaller families, and patients requiring trauma-related surgeries.