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Estimation of economic burden of preterm and premature births in Iran
Nahal Ahmadzadeh1, Aziz Rezapour1,2, Zahra Ghanavatinejad1
1Health Management and Economics Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Insights
The economic burden of preterm birth in Iran is substantial, with direct medical costs being the highest component. Implementing preventive strategies and family support is crucial to mitigate these significant costs.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Health Economics
- Neonatal Care
Background:
- Preterm and premature births present significant lifelong challenges for families.
- The economic impact of these births requires thorough evaluation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the economic consequences of preterm and premature birth in Iran.
- To categorize costs into direct medical, direct non-medical, and indirect expenses.
Main Methods:
- A descriptive, cross-sectional study conducted from 2014-2015.
- Data collected from NICU records, medical charts, and parental interviews.
- Economic analysis from a social perspective using Microsoft Excel.
Main Results:
- Direct medical costs constituted 84% of the total economic burden.
- Intensive care unit (ICU) beds accounted for 75% of initial direct medical costs.
- Estimated social costs varied based on incidence rates (5.8%, 7.9%, 9.9%).
Conclusions:
- Preterm and premature birth impose a considerable economic burden in Iran.
- Preventive programs and robust management care are essential for families.
- Reducing costs necessitates proactive interventions and support systems.
Abstract:
Background: Tremendous difficulties are imposed on families with preterm and premature babies, both at birth and during their lifetime. The present study aimed at evaluating the potential economic impact of preterm and premature birth in Iran. Methods: In this descriptive cross-sectional study (2014-2015), we studied preterm and premature newborns, who have been subjected to hospitalization in Ali-Asghar hospital. We followed social perspective to estimate the economic consequences of preterm and premature birth in 3 categories of direct medical, direct non-medical, and indirect costs. Required data were collected from documents in the NICU, and studying medical records, and interviewing their parents. Data were analyzed by Microsoft Excel. Results: Direct medical, direct non-medical and indirect affairs were 84%, 6%, and 10% of the total cost, respectively. The estimated social costs were 373, 529, 189; 508, 774, 181; and 529, 481, 996 US dollars (according to their corresponding incidence of 5.8%, 7.9%, and 9.9%). We also found that 75% of the direct medical costs of initial hospitalization were due to intensive care beds. Conclusion: The economic burden of preterm and premature birth in Iran is considerable and to decrease the costs, it is necessary to implement preventive programs for preterm and premature newborns and to provide management care and support for families dealing with this problem.
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