The cost of outpatient pneumonia in children <5 years of age in Fiji

Beth Temple, Ulla K Griffiths, Edward (Kim) MULHOLLAND, Felisita Ratu, Lisi Tikoduadua, Fiona Russell

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

11 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Objectives: Pneumonia is the most common reason for visiting an outpatient facility among children <5years old in Fiji. The objective of this study is to describe for the first time the costs associated with an episode of outpatient pneumonia in Fiji, in terms of cost both to the government health sector and to the household.

Methods: Costs were estimated for 400 clinically diagnosed pneumonia cases from two outpatient facilities, one in the capital, Suva, and one in a peri-urban and rural area, Nausori. Household expenses relating to transport costs, treatment costs and indirect costs were determined primarily through structured interview with the caregiver. Unit costs were collected from a variety of sources. Patient-specific costs were summarised as average costs per facility.

Results: The overall average societal cost associated with an episode of outpatient pneumonia was $18.98, ranging from $14.33 in Nausori to $23.67 in Suva. Household expenses represent a significant proportion of the societal cost (29% in Nausori and 45% in Suva), with transport costs the most important household cost item. Health sector expenses were dominated by personnel costs at both sites. Both the average total household expenses and the average total health sector expenses were significantly greater in Suva than Nausori.

Conclusions: A single episode of outpatient pneumonia represents a significant cost both to the government health sector and to affected households. Given the high incidence of this disease in Fiji, this places a considerable burden on society.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)197-203
Number of pages7
JournalTropical Medicine and International Health
Volume17
Issue number2
Early online date18 Oct 2011
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Feb 2012

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