The economic cost of otitis media in Canada

• Published in: International journal of pediatric otorhinolaryngology 1999-06, Vol.49 (1), p.27-36
• Main Authors: Coyte, Peter C., Asche, Carl V., Elden, Lisa M.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Acute Disease - economics; Adolescent; Adult; Biological and medical sciences; Canada; Child; Child, Preschool; Cost of Illness; Ear, auditive nerve, cochleovestibular tract, facial nerve: diseases, semeiology; Economy. Management; Health and social institutions; Health care costs; Health Care Costs - statistics & numerical data; Humans; Medical sciences; Middle Aged; Non tumoral diseases; Otitis media; Otitis Media - economics; Otorhinolaryngology. Stomatology; Public health. Hygiene; Public health. Hygiene-occupational medicine
• ISSN: 0165-5876; 1872-8464
• DOI: 10.1016/S0165-5876(99)00041-5

The purpose of this study was to estimate the total costs of otitis media (OM) from a societal perspective using a prevalence-based approach to estimate disease related costs for Canadians with OM in 1994. Direct expenditures attributable to OM associated with hospitals, other institutions, physicians, other health professionals, drugs, research and other components of care were assessed, along with estimates of lost productivity due to illness and the workloss of caregivers. The total costs of OM for Canadians were $611.0 million in 1994, with direct and indirect cost components at $470.7 million and $140.3 million, respectively. Over 70% of total OM costs were attributed to children aged 14 years and under ($428.4 million), with direct and indirect costs being $334.1 million and $94.3 million, respectively. This study highlights the scope and magnitude of the economic consequences of OM. The costs calculated may be used to provide guidance in the setting of priorities for research and prevention activities.