An economic evaluation on sub-optimal breastfeeding in Hong Kong: Infant health outcomes and costs.
Acta Paediatr
; 2024 Aug 30.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-39212096
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 (~15-30%) to 50%, resulting in annual healthcare cost savings of USD1.05 (95% CI 1.03-1.07) million/year. The cost saving would reach USD1.89 (95% CI 1.86-1.92) million/year if the exclusive breastfeeding rate at 4 months increase to 70%. However, if higher NNJ admissions during 7-90 days related to more exclusive breastfeeding are considered, the cost saving would reduce by 60%.CONCLUSION:
Our findings can guide policymakers in allocating budget and resources for breastfeeding promotion in Hong Kong. The prevention of unnecessary NNJ admissions would maximise the economic benefits of exclusive breastfeeding at 4 months.
Texto completo:
1
Colección:
01-internacional
Base de datos:
MEDLINE
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Acta Paediatr
Año:
2024
Tipo del documento:
Article
País de afiliación:
China
Pais de publicación:
Noruega