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[Cost-of-illness study of pneumococcal disease in Italian children]

G L Colombo1

  • 1giorgio.colombo@savestudi.it

Annali Di Igiene : Medicina Preventiva E Di Comunita
|January 2, 2003
PubMed

Insights

The annual cost of pneumococcal disease in children in Italy exceeds 59 million euros. This estimate includes direct medical expenses and indirect costs associated with productivity loss from illness.

Area of Science:

  • Public Health
  • Epidemiology
  • Health Economics

Background:

  • Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus) is a significant cause of illness and death, particularly in children, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals.
  • Pneumococcal diseases encompass meningitis, bacteremia, pneumonia, and otitis media, posing a substantial public health burden.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To estimate the societal cost of pneumococcal disease in children in Italy.
  • To differentiate between direct and indirect costs associated with pneumococcal infections.

Main Methods:

  • A Cost-of-Illness (COI) model was developed using decision tree analysis.
  • Data on disease incidence and seroprevalence in Italy were gathered from various sources and verified by experts.
  • Both direct (medical resources) and indirect (productivity changes) costs were incorporated.

Main Results:

  • The estimated annual societal cost for pneumococcal disease in Italian children is approximately 59,604,477 euro.
  • Direct costs constitute 39.9% of the total societal cost.
  • Otitis media represents the largest component of direct costs (60.6%), followed by pneumonia (31.9%).

Conclusions:

  • Pneumococcal disease imposes a significant economic burden on Italian society, primarily affecting children.
  • The findings highlight the economic impact of various pneumococcal disease manifestations, with otitis media and pneumonia being major cost drivers.
  • A sensitivity analysis confirmed the reliability of the cost estimates.

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