The Economic Influence of Breastfeeding on the Health Cost of Newborns.
Breastfeeding
breastfeeding benefits
cost benefit analysis
exclusive breastfeeding
health services research.
Journal
Journal of human lactation : official journal of International Lactation Consultant Association
ISSN: 1552-5732
Titre abrégé: J Hum Lact
Pays: United States
ID NLM: 8709498
Informations de publication
Date de publication:
May 2019
May 2019
Historique:
pubmed:
7
12
2018
medline:
6
5
2020
entrez:
4
12
2018
Statut:
ppublish
Résumé
Breastfeeding provides health benefits for women and newborns. However, few studies have explored how these health benefits translate into economic savings. This study aimed to estimate the healthcare costs savings generated by exclusive breastfeeding for healthy newborns. We designed a longitudinal two-group observational study that included healthy women and newborns ( N = 236) in Toledo, Spain. Over the first 6-months of the infants' lives, we reviewed their clinical histories to determine their consumption of healthcare resources and the type of nutrition provided. The sample was categorized into two groups: exclusive breastfeeding ( n = 46) and non-exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months ( n = 190). Two-part regression models were applied to determine whether there were differences in healthcare costs between the groups. The average age of the women was 32 ( SD: 5.3). The average birth weight of the newborns was 3.3 kg. ( SD: 0.38). At 6 months, 19.5% ( n = 46) of the women breastfed exclusively, 28.4% ( n = 67) combined breastfeeding with formula, and 45.8% ( n = 108) used formula only. Healthcare costs during follow-up reached €785.58 (44% for specialized care, 42% for primary care, 9.8% for medical emergencies, 3% for medications and approximately 1% for medical tests). The statistical analysis estimated a lower healthcare cost of between €454.40 and €503.50 for exclusively breastfed newborns. Breastfeeding generated savings in healthcare costs; therefore, it could be a cost-efficient option compared with alternatives. Researchers who evaluate the efficiency of strategies that promote breastfeeding can contribute to the sustainability of health services.
Sections du résumé
BACKGROUND
BACKGROUND
Breastfeeding provides health benefits for women and newborns. However, few studies have explored how these health benefits translate into economic savings.
RESEARCH AIM
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to estimate the healthcare costs savings generated by exclusive breastfeeding for healthy newborns.
METHODS
METHODS
We designed a longitudinal two-group observational study that included healthy women and newborns ( N = 236) in Toledo, Spain. Over the first 6-months of the infants' lives, we reviewed their clinical histories to determine their consumption of healthcare resources and the type of nutrition provided. The sample was categorized into two groups: exclusive breastfeeding ( n = 46) and non-exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months ( n = 190). Two-part regression models were applied to determine whether there were differences in healthcare costs between the groups.
RESULTS
RESULTS
The average age of the women was 32 ( SD: 5.3). The average birth weight of the newborns was 3.3 kg. ( SD: 0.38). At 6 months, 19.5% ( n = 46) of the women breastfed exclusively, 28.4% ( n = 67) combined breastfeeding with formula, and 45.8% ( n = 108) used formula only. Healthcare costs during follow-up reached €785.58 (44% for specialized care, 42% for primary care, 9.8% for medical emergencies, 3% for medications and approximately 1% for medical tests). The statistical analysis estimated a lower healthcare cost of between €454.40 and €503.50 for exclusively breastfed newborns.
CONCLUSION
CONCLUSIONS
Breastfeeding generated savings in healthcare costs; therefore, it could be a cost-efficient option compared with alternatives. Researchers who evaluate the efficiency of strategies that promote breastfeeding can contribute to the sustainability of health services.
Identifiants
pubmed: 30508488
doi: 10.1177/0890334418812026
doi:
Types de publication
Journal Article
Observational Study
Langues
eng