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Cost of varicella in France: a study in day care centers
P Saddier1, D Floret, H A Guess
1Pharmacoepidemiology Unit and Medical Direction, Pasteur Mérieux Connaught, Lyon, France. psaddier@fr.pmc-vacc.com
Insights
Varicella (chickenpox) in French daycare centers incurs significant costs. This study found that each case cost families an average of $89, highlighting the socioeconomic impact of this common childhood illness.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Varicella (chickenpox) is a common childhood illness.
- Daycare settings facilitate disease transmission among young children.
- The socioeconomic impact of varicella in France requires assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the economic burden of varicella in young children attending daycare in France.
- To quantify direct medical costs and indirect non-medical costs associated with pediatric varicella.
Main Methods:
- A prospective study was conducted in French daycare centers over one varicella season.
- 1263 children aged 3 months to 3 years were monitored.
- Parental questionnaires collected data on medical care, parental work absence, and extra childcare needs for 200 children with varicella.
Main Results:
- Each varicella case incurred an average societal cost of US$352 per family, with medical costs at 22%.
- Parents missed an average of 4.5 workdays per family (52% of families).
- The average cost to parents was $89 per family, primarily non-medical expenses ($80).
Conclusions:
- Varicella imposes a substantial socioeconomic burden on families with young children in French daycare settings.
- Non-medical costs, such as parental work absence, represent a significant component of the total economic impact.
- Findings underscore the importance of understanding and mitigating the costs associated with pediatric varicella outbreaks.
Abstract:
To assess the cost of varicella in young children in France, a prospective study was done in day care centers. Children (1263), who were 3 months to 3 years old and attending day care, were followed over a varicella season. For every child who developed varicella (n = 200), detailed information was obtained by use of parental questionnaires. Questions concerned medical care, days missed from work for parents, and the need for extra baby-sitting. On average, each sick child had one consultation with a physician and received three medications. In half of the families (52%), at least 1 parent had to miss work an average of 4.5 days to care for a sick child. Total costs to society were estimated to be US$352 per family, with medical costs accounting for 22% of the cost. The average eventual cost to parents was $89 per family, including $80 of non-medical costs. This study emphasizes the important socioeconomic impact of varicella in the day care setting in France.