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Infantile gastroenteritis in the community: a cost-of-illness study

P K Lorgelly1, D Joshi, M Iturriza Gómara

  • 1Section of Public Health and Health Policy, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK. p.lorgelly@clinmed.gla.ac.uk

Epidemiology and Infection
|March 7, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Rotavirus gastroenteritis affects nearly all children by age five. This study found it costs between £59-£143 per episode, with a total societal burden of £11.5 million annually.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Health Economics

Background:

  • Rotavirus is a leading cause of gastroenteritis in young children globally.
  • The community prevalence and economic impact of rotavirus gastroenteritis remain underestimated due to underreporting of milder cases.
  • Understanding the true burden is crucial for public health interventions and resource allocation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the community prevalence of rotavirus acute gastroenteritis.
  • To conduct a cost-of-illness study for rotavirus gastroenteritis in children.
  • To estimate the overall economic burden of rotavirus gastroenteritis to society.

Main Methods:

  • A structured community surveillance study was performed.
  • A cost-of-illness analysis was integrated with the surveillance.
  • Prevalence and cost data were collected from a defined sample population.

Main Results:

  • Rotavirus acute gastroenteritis was identified in 48% of the study sample.
  • The average cost per episode ranged from £59 to £143, varying by perspective.
  • The estimated annual societal burden of rotavirus gastroenteritis is £11.5 million.

Conclusions:

  • Rotavirus gastroenteritis represents a significant public health issue with substantial economic consequences.
  • Community-based surveillance is essential for accurately assessing the burden of infectious diseases.
  • The findings highlight the need for effective prevention and management strategies for rotavirus infections.

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