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Measles: who pays the cost?
British Medical Journal (Clinical Research Ed.)
|June 13, 1987
Summary
Measles outbreaks are costly for families and doctors. Promoting measles vaccination is crucial for primary care teams to prevent illness and reduce economic burdens.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Health Economics
Background:
- Measles outbreaks pose significant health and economic challenges.
- Understanding the costs associated with measles is vital for public health interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the costs of a measles epidemic in a UK general practice.
- To estimate the physical, social, and financial impact on children, parents, and healthcare providers.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study was conducted.
- Questionnaires were utilized to gather data on costs and illness duration.
Main Results:
- The measles epidemic affected 164 patients.
- Each child experienced an average of 10.8 days of illness.
- The average financial cost to parents was £11.06 per child.
- Family doctors spent an average of 26 minutes per case.
Conclusions:
- The study highlights the substantial burden of measles on families and primary care.
- Findings provide a strong rationale for enhancing measles vaccination uptake initiatives.