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The economic impacts of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis
S H Allaire1, B S DeNardo, I S Szer
1Floating Hospital for Infants and Children, Department of Pediatrics, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA.
Insights
Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) imposes significant economic burdens on families. Direct medical, family out-of-pocket expenses, and extra school costs associated with JRA are substantial.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Pediatrics
- Health Economics
Background:
- Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) is a chronic condition affecting children.
- Understanding the economic impact of JRA is crucial for families and healthcare providers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To document the direct, family, and community (extra school) costs associated with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis in children.
- To assess the overall economic burden of JRA on affected families.
Main Methods:
- A questionnaire was used to collect cost data from 120 families with children diagnosed with JRA in New England.
- Data included inpatient, outpatient, nonmedical, out-of-pocket medical, nonmedical expenses, and lost salary.
- The questionnaire return rate was 59% (N=70).
Main Results:
- Mean annualized direct cost per child was $7,905.
- Family costs averaged $1,524 annually, representing 5% of mean family income.
- Mean extra school costs were $1,449 per 9 months.
Conclusions:
- The economic impact of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis on families is substantial.
- Comprehensive cost-of-illness studies are needed to inform healthcare policy and support for affected families.
Abstract:
Our study documents the direct costs, family costs and community (extra school) costs. One hundred and twenty families with children who had juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) diagnosed by established criteria and who lived in New England were asked to participate. All data except inpatient charged were collected via questionnaire. The questionnaire return rate was 59% (N = 70). The mean annualized direct cost/child was 7,905 (inpatient, $1,717; outpatient, $5,700; and nonmedical, $488). Family costs averaged $1,524/year (out of pocket medical and nonmedical, $1,196; lost salary, $328), which represented 5% of mean family income. The mean extra school cost was $1,449/9 months. The economic impacts of JRA appear to be substantial.