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Out-of-pocket costs associated with rotavirus gastroenteritis requiring hospitalization in Malaysia

P F Chai1, W S Lee

  • 1Department of Paediatrics, University Malaya Medical Centre, 59100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Vaccine
|November 26, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Caregivers of children hospitalized with rotavirus gastroenteritis in Malaysia incurred significant out-of-pocket costs, averaging US$194. These costs, primarily hospital expenses and lost income, represent 26% of household income, impacting economic stability.

Area of Science:

  • Public Health
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Health Economics

Background:

  • Rotavirus gastroenteritis is a major cause of childhood hospitalization globally.
  • Understanding the economic burden on families is crucial for public health interventions.
  • Previous studies have not fully quantified caregiver costs associated with rotavirus in Malaysia.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To prospectively assess the out-of-pocket costs for caregivers of children hospitalized with rotavirus gastroenteritis in Malaysia.
  • To determine the proportion of household income these costs represent.
  • To inform the potential cost-effectiveness of rotavirus immunization programs.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective study conducted from August 2006 to July 2007 in a Malaysian hospital.
  • Data collected from 260 caregivers of children hospitalized with diarrhea.
  • Rotavirus confirmation via latex agglutination assay on stool samples from 198 children.

Main Results:

  • The mean out-of-pocket cost per caregiver was US$194 (median US$169).
  • These costs constituted 26% of the surveyed households' average monthly income.
  • Hospital expenses (45%) and productivity loss (37%) were the major cost components.

Conclusions:

  • Hospitalization for rotavirus gastroenteritis imposes a substantial financial burden on Malaysian families.
  • The economic impact highlights the need for cost-effectiveness analyses of rotavirus vaccination.
  • Findings support the evaluation of rotavirus immunization strategies to reduce household economic strain.

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