An economic evaluation on sub-optimal breastfeeding in Hong Kong: Infant health outcomes and costs.

ABSTRACT:

Aim

This study estimated the healthcare cost savings for the government due to the prevention of gastroenteritis (GE) infections and lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI) in the first year of life, attributed to an increase in the exclusive breastfeeding rate at 4 months in Hong Kong.

Methods

The model used the best available data inputs, with uncertainty considered using probabilistic sensitivity analysis. We additionally assessed the impact of neonatal jaundice (NNJ) on the economic benefits of increasing exclusive breastfeeding rates.

Results

During 2010-2019, five admissions for GE and three admissions for LRTI per 1000 births would have been prevented in the first year of life if the exclusive breastfeeding rate at 4 months increased from the actual levels (~

SUBMITTER: Hui LL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11627454 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature