A qualitative study to understand public views on the relative value of health gains for children and young people in Australia compared to adults.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

Standard economic evaluation methods assume that quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) have equal social value, regardless of recipient. However, evidence suggests that people place greater social value on health gains for children. This study examines the factors driving age-related preferences for health gains.

Methods

Think-aloud, semi-structured interviews were conducted with Australian adolescents (n = 7), non-parents (n = 11), parents with healthy children (n = 8) and parents of children with health conditions (n = 15) over a period of four months (27th March 2023-20th July 2023). Participants completed Person Trade-Off (PTO) and attitudinal questions about resource allocation for improvements in life extension, mental health, mobility, and pain/discomfort cho

SUBMITTER: De Silva A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12578166 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature