Esmeralda Santacruz-Salas1, Isaac Aranda-Reneo2, Álvaro Hidalgo-Vega3, José M Blanco-Rodriguez4, Antonio Segura-Fragoso1. 1. 1 Faculty of Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy and Nursing, University of Castilla-La Mancha, Talavera de la Reina. Toledo, Spain. 2. 2 Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Castilla-La Mancha, Talavera de la Reina. Toledo, Spain. 3. 3 Faculty of Law and Social Sciences, University of Castilla-La Mancha, Toledo, Spain. 4. 4 Faculty of Nursing, Physiotherapy and Podiatry, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Breastfeeding provides health benefits for women and newborns. However, few studies have explored how these health benefits translate into economic savings. RESEARCH AIM: This study aimed to estimate the healthcare costs savings generated by exclusive breastfeeding for healthy newborns. 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: 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: 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.
BACKGROUND: Breastfeeding provides health benefits for women and newborns. However, few studies have explored how these health benefits translate into economic savings. RESEARCH AIM: This study aimed to estimate the healthcare costs savings generated by exclusive breastfeeding for healthy newborns. 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: 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: 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.
Authors: Esmeralda Santacruz-Salas; Antonio Segura-Fragoso; Diana P Pozuelo-Carrascosa; Ana Isabel Cobo-Cuenca; Juan Manuel Carmona-Torres; José Alberto Laredo-Aguilera Journal: J Pers Med Date: 2021-05-11