ERIC Number: EJ1128350
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2017-Mar
Pages: 8
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0022-4391
EISSN: N/A
Social and Economic Impacts of School Influenza Outbreaks in England: Survey of Caregivers
Thorrington, Dominic; Balasegaram, Sooria; Cleary, Paul; Hay, Catherine; Eames, Ken
Journal of School Health, v87 n3 p209-216 Mar 2017
Background: Influenza is a cause of considerable morbidity in England, particularly among children. A total of 39% of all influenza-attributable general practitioner consultations and 37% of all influenza-attributable hospital admissions occur in those aged under 15 years. Few studies have quantified the impact of influenza outbreaks on families. We assessed this impact during 2 influenza seasons. Methods: We used questionnaires to obtain data in primary schools that reported an outbreak of an influenza-like-illness (ILI). We sought data on the loss of productivity, costs borne by families and loss in health-related quality of life (HRQoL). ILIs were identified using the symptoms criteria from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control and the UK Flusurvey. Results: For each child reporting ILI, mean school absence was 3.8 days (95% confidence interval [CI]): 3.0-4.8) with mean work absence for caregivers reported as 3.7 days (95% CI: 2.7-4.8). The mean loss in HRQoL was 2.1 quality-adjusted life days (95% CI: 1.5-2.7). The estimated total pediatric burden of disease for reported school-based outbreaks during the 2 influenza seasons was 105.3 QALYs (95% CI: 77.7-139.0). Conclusions: This study shows the potential social and economic benefit of vaccination of children during mild influenza seasons.
Descriptors: Diseases, Quality of Life, Questionnaires, Foreign Countries, Elementary School Students, Death, Hospitals, Attendance, Parent Attitudes, Employee Absenteeism, Statistical Analysis, Productivity, Health, Costs, Symptoms (Individual Disorders), Pediatrics, Immunization Programs, Cost Effectiveness, Economic Factors
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Elementary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: United Kingdom (England)
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A