Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 25, 2025
Bronchial Thermoplasty: A Novel Therapeutic Approach to Severe Asthma
Published on: November 4, 2010
Cost-benefit impact of free asthma medication provision for the pediatric population
Vanessa Koltermann1, Frederico Orlando Friedrich1, Ana Carolina Fensterseifer2
1Department of Pediatrics, Infant Center, Pontificia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Ipiranga Avenue 6690, Building 60, 2 nd floor, 90610-000, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
Insights
Brazil's free asthma medication program significantly reduced pediatric asthma admissions and healthcare costs. The initiative proved cost-effective, demonstrating a positive impact on public health outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Health Economics
- Pediatric Medicine
Background:
- Asthma is a prevalent chronic childhood illness with substantial societal and healthcare costs.
- The Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS) began providing free asthma medications in June 2011.
- Understanding the program's impact on pediatric asthma admissions and costs is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of Brazil's free asthma medication program on asthma admissions in children aged 1-19 years.
- To conduct a cost-benefit analysis comparing asthma care before and after the program's implementation.
- To assess the program's economic impact on the Brazilian public health system.
Main Methods:
- A descriptive study utilizing data from SUS Information Technology Department (DATASUS).
- Comparison of asthma admission rates and costs for patients aged 1-19 years.
- Analysis covered periods before (2008-2010) and after (2012-2017) the provision of free inhaled corticosteroids.
Main Results:
- Asthma admission rates decreased by 28.4% overall.
- Significant reductions observed in younger children (1-4 years: 27.3%) and adolescents (15-19 years: 39.65%).
- Asthma admission costs decreased, with substantial cost savings reported, particularly for younger age groups.
Conclusions:
- The free provision of inhaled corticosteroids by SUS was cost-effective for all pediatric age groups between 2012 and 2015.
- While a cost-benefit effect was not observed in 2017, asthma admission rates continued to decline.
- The program demonstrates a significant positive impact on reducing the economic burden of pediatric asthma in Brazil.
Background:
Asthma is a common chronic disease in childhood, resulting in high costs for health care systems and society. As of June 2011, the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS) provides free asthma medications for the population. This study evaluated the impact of this program on asthma admissions in the population aged 1-19 years. In addition, a cost-benefit analysis compared data before and after the introduction of the program.
Methods:
This descriptive study was based on information from SUS Information Technology Department (DATASUS). Admission rates and costs of patients aged 1-19 years with diagnosed asthma were compared before (2008-2010) and after (2012-2017) the provision of free inhaled corticosteroid.
Results:
The asthma admission rate reduced by 28.4% when comparing the two periods (OR 0.71; 95% CI 0.64-0.79). Children aged 1-4 years had a 27.3% reduction in asthma admissions (OR 0.72; 95% CI 0.63-0.82), while those aged 15-19 years had a 39.65% decrease (OR 0.59; 95% CI 0.37-0.95). Asthma admission costs decreased when comparing the two periods (OR 0.68; 95% CI 0.62-0.74). After the introduction of the program, mean cost savings reached US $27,865,905.08 in children aged 1-4 years and US $21,350,660.63 in those aged 5-19 years.
Conclusion:
The economic burden of pediatric asthma on Brazil's public health care system is significant. From 2012 to 2015, free provision of inhaled corticosteroid was cost-effective in all age groups. In 2017, no cost-benefit effect was observed in this population, but asthma admission rate decreased.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Asthma-IV: Diagnostic and Management
Clinical Assessment for Asthma:
This is the first step in diagnosing and managing asthma. It includes:
01:23Inhaled Medications
01:25Antiasthma Drugs: β2-Adrenoceptor Agonists
One class of bronchodilators includes β2-adrenoceptor agonists. These agents target the β2-adrenoceptors located on bronchial smooth muscle cells. By stimulating these receptors, β2-agonists induce...
01:30Asthma-IV: Nursing Management
First, in...
01:20Asthma: Pathogenesis and Management
Asthma is classified as allergic and non-allergic. Allergens such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander trigger allergic asthma, while factors like cold air, intense emotions, or exercise can induce non-allergic asthma.
01:25Antiasthma Drugs: Mast Cell Stabilizers and Anti-IgE Drugs
Mast cell stabilizers, such as cromolyn (also known as sodium cromoglycate) and nedocromil (Tilade), are effective drugs in asthma management. These stabilizers hinder histamine release by skillfully obstructing the activation of mast cells and other cellular entities. Notably, they navigate this task without...