Open AccessA population‐based estimate of the economic burden of influenza in Peru, 2009–2010
Author(s) -
Tinoco Yeny O.,
AzzizBaumgartner Eduardo,
Rázuri Hugo,
Kasper Matthew R.,
Romero Candice,
Ortiz Ernesto,
Gomez Jorge,
Widdowson MarcAlain,
Uyeki Timothy M.,
Gilman Robert H.,
Bausch Daniel G.,
Montgomery Joel M.
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
influenza and other respiratory viruses
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.743
H-Index - 57
eISSN - 1750-2659
pISSN - 1750-2640
DOI - 10.1111/irv.12357
Subject(s) - medicine , interquartile range , indirect costs , influenza like illness , population , disease burden , quartile , environmental health , ambulatory care , health care , ambulatory , economic impact analysis , psychological intervention , emergency medicine , confidence interval , immunology , business , virus , civil engineering , accounting , engineering , psychiatry , economics , economic growth
Influenza disease burden and economic impact data are needed to assess the potential value of interventions. Such information is limited from resource‐limited settings. We therefore studied the cost of influenza in Peru. Methods We used data collected during June 2009–December 2010 from laboratory‐confirmed influenza cases identified through a household cohort in Peru. We determined the self‐reported direct and indirect costs of self‐treatment, outpatient care, emergency ward care, and hospitalizations through standardized questionnaires. We recorded costs accrued 15‐day from illness onset. Direct costs represented medication, consultation, diagnostic fees, and health‐related expenses such as transportation and phone calls. Indirect costs represented lost productivity during days of illness by both cases and caregivers. We estimated the annual economic cost and the impact of a case of influenza on a household. Results There were 1321 confirmed influenza cases, of which 47% sought health care. Participants with confirmed influenza illness paid a median of $13 [interquartile range ( IQR ) 5–26] for self‐treatment, $19 ( IQR 9–34) for ambulatory non‐medical attended illness, $29 ( IQR 14–51) for ambulatory medical attended illness, and $171 ( IQR 113–258) for hospitalizations. Overall, the projected national cost of an influenza illness was $83–$85 millions. Costs per influenza illness represented 14% of the monthly household income of the lowest income quartile (compared to 3% of the highest quartile). Conclusion Influenza virus infection causes an important economic burden, particularly among the poorest families and those hospitalized. Prevention strategies such as annual influenza vaccination program targeting SAGE population at risk could reduce the overall economic impact of seasonal influenza.