Costs of Viral Respiratory Illnesses in Preschool Children
Author Information
Author(s): Stephen B Lambert, Kelly M Allen, Robert C Carter, Terence M Nolan
Primary Institution: Murdoch Children's Research Institute
Hypothesis
What are the costs associated with community-managed viral respiratory illnesses in preschool-aged children?
Conclusion
Community-managed viral respiratory illnesses impose a significant cost burden on families and society, particularly due to indirect costs like carer time away from usual activities.
Supporting Evidence
- The mean cost of ARIs was AU$309.
- Influenza illnesses had a mean cost of $904, significantly higher than other viruses.
- Indirect costs, especially carer time, were the main cost drivers.
- 73% of ARIs had impact diaries returned.
- Children aged 1-2 years had the highest ARI incidence rate.
Takeaway
When kids get sick with respiratory viruses, it costs families a lot of money, especially because parents have to take time off work to care for them.
Methodology
A 12-month cohort study with 234 preschool children, using impact diaries and PCR testing for viruses during acute respiratory illnesses.
Potential Biases
Potential bias from the skewed sample of households and reliance on parent-reported data.
Limitations
The study may overestimate costs due to under-representation of lower-income households and reliance on parent-collected data.
Participant Demographics
Children were from various income bands, with 24% in the lowest income band and 25% in the highest.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Confidence Interval
$263 to $354
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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