Candidate for the Lee B. Lusted Student Prize Competition
To calculate the incremental cost-effectiveness of breastfeeding peer counseling program for low-income women run through WIC. The result can be used by states in deciding in allocation of resources for breastfeeding peer counseling programs in order to increase the rates and duration of breastfeeding among low-income women and improve the health of their children.
Method:
Classical decision analysis modeling was used. The effectiveness analysis was based on the data from randomized, prospective controlled trial done in Hartford, CT. The study included low-income, mostly Latina women from one of the urban hospitals. The cost analysis was done based on Peer Counseling Program done at 2 urban WIC centers in Rochester, NY. The primary outcome was the mean number of sick-free days from several infants’ diseases. The impact of intervention on medical cost was estimated by using literature data on morbidity for otitis media and gastroenteritis, and direct costs of medical care for those two diseases.
Result:
The health benefit of the intervention was equal to 160 SFD gain per a year per 100 children. The program expenses summed to $18,290.00 per 100 children per year. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio was $57 per one sick-free day.
Conclusion:
The peer counseling program was effective and cost-effective in reducing sick days of infants of low-income, urban women compared to standard breastfeeding education.