Incidence, impact on the family and cost of gastroenteritis among 4 to 6-year-old children in South Australia
Date
2006
Authors
Heyworth, J.
Jardine, A.
Glonek, G.
Maynard, E.
Editors
Advisors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Type:
Journal article
Citation
Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology (Australia), 2006; 21(8):1320-1325
Statement of Responsibility
Jane S Heyworth, Andrew Jardine, Gary Glonek and Edward J Maynard
Conference Name
Abstract
Background: Gastroenteritis is an important cause of morbidity in both adults and children worldwide. Although the burden of morbidity and mortality is highest in developing countries, gastroenteritis is still a significant cause of morbidity in Australia, particularly in young children. The aims of the present study were to determine the incidence of gastroenteritis among 4–6-year-old children in South Australia, to describe the impact on daily activities of the child and caregiver and estimate the cost of gastroenteritis in this population. Methods: A diary study of drinking water consumption and gastrointestinal and respiratory symptoms was undertaken among 965 rural children in South Australia over a 6-week period during February–May 1999. Data on the response to gastrointestinal episodes were collected by telephone surveys midway and at the end of the 6-week period. Costing was based on the methods of Hellard et al . Results: The incidence of community gastroenteritis among 4–6-year-old children was 5.53 episodes per child-year (95% confidence interval: 4.87–5.80). The costs associated with childhood gastroenteritis were estimated to be between $AU16 858 360 and $AU22 477 814 per annum. Conclusions: The incidence of community gastroenteritis among the 4–6-year-olds in the South Australian population is high and it costs the community a significant amount of money in terms of direct medical costs and time lost by parents and carers looking after their ill children.
School/Discipline
Dissertation Note
Provenance
Description
The definitive version is available at www.blackwell-synergy.com