[P1-15] Parent-Reported Annual Expenditures and Financial Impact on Families of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder Seen at a Tertiary Hospital
[Introduction] To date, there is no published study on comprehensive expenditures incurred by Filipino children diagnosed to have Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Documentation of their financial burden may guide initiatives and reforms for healthcare systems to assist them and their families. This study aims to determine expenditures during the first year following initial diagnosis and its impact on families caring for ASD children seen in 2013.
[Methodology] Design: Cross-sectional; Methods: 98 families were included through consecutive sampling. Parents or guardians were interviewed using a survey form adapted from pre-validated questionnaires; Primary outcome: Direct (health-related and educational) and indirect (child care services and transportation) expenditures; Secondary outcome: Out-of-pocket expenditures, % family income spent on ASD child, and incidence of lost family income
[Results] ASD was associated with a mean annual expenditure of PhP 75,012.40. Highest direct and indirect expenditures were incurred for interventions (mean=PhP 28,407.80) and for transportation (mean=PhP 12,905.90) respectively. The average out-of-pocket expenditure for each family was PhP 65,210.20. These families spent an average of 26.1% of their annual income, with 14 out of 50 both-parent-working families (28%) who reported that a parent had to quit their job to take care of their child with ASD.
[Conclusions] There is significant burden on families taking care of children with ASD in our country. Intervention and transportation expenses were greatest hence policies ensuring availability of government-funded services across the country are needed in the future. However, cost analysis studies and a nationally representative population are needed to draw stronger correlations.
[Methodology] Design: Cross-sectional; Methods: 98 families were included through consecutive sampling. Parents or guardians were interviewed using a survey form adapted from pre-validated questionnaires; Primary outcome: Direct (health-related and educational) and indirect (child care services and transportation) expenditures; Secondary outcome: Out-of-pocket expenditures, % family income spent on ASD child, and incidence of lost family income
[Results] ASD was associated with a mean annual expenditure of PhP 75,012.40. Highest direct and indirect expenditures were incurred for interventions (mean=PhP 28,407.80) and for transportation (mean=PhP 12,905.90) respectively. The average out-of-pocket expenditure for each family was PhP 65,210.20. These families spent an average of 26.1% of their annual income, with 14 out of 50 both-parent-working families (28%) who reported that a parent had to quit their job to take care of their child with ASD.
[Conclusions] There is significant burden on families taking care of children with ASD in our country. Intervention and transportation expenses were greatest hence policies ensuring availability of government-funded services across the country are needed in the future. However, cost analysis studies and a nationally representative population are needed to draw stronger correlations.