Estimating the Economic Impact of Respiratory Syncytial Virus and Other Acute Respiratory Infections Among Infants Receiving Care at a Referral Hospital in Malawi.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a leading cause of respiratory illness among infants globally, yet economic burden data are scant, especially in low-income countries.

Methods

We collected data from 426 infants enrolled in the Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital respiratory disease surveillance platform to estimate the household and health system costs of managing RSV and other respiratory pathogens in Malawian infants. Total household cost per illness episode, including direct and indirect costs and lost income, was reported by parents/guardians at the initial visit and 6 weeks post discharge. The total cost to the health system was based on patient charts and hospital expenditures. All-cause acute respiratory infections (ARIs) and RSV costs for inpatient and ou

SUBMITTER: Baral R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7864144 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature