Change in economic burden of diarrhoea in children under-five in Bangladesh: 2007 vs. 2018

Background: In Bangladesh, diarrhoea in children under-five is a major public health problem with cost implications. Although under-five diarrhoea mortality and morbidity have declined from 2007 to 2018, change in the economic burden is unknown. This study determined the change in the societal economic burden of under-five diarrhoea in Bangladesh comparing 2007 to 2018.

Methods: A prevalence-based, retrospective cost analysis was conducted from a societal perspective, including costs to households, providers, and economic loss from premature deaths. Data were obtained from the previous cost of illness studies, government reports, and international databases. Direct costs for treatment were estimated by the bottom-up costing approach. Indirect costs on the loss of productivity of caretakers and loss from premature deaths were calculated by the human capital method. Total costs were presented in both local currency (Bangladeshi Taka (BDT)) and US dollars (US$)) in 2018 price. Sensitivity analyses were conducted to assess the robustness of the input parameters.

Results: A 36.4% reduction was found on the economic burden of under-five diarrhoea when comparing 2007 and 2018; US$1 209 million (95% CI = 1066 million-1299 million) for 2007 and US$769 million (95% CI = 484 million-873 million) for 2018. Economic loss from premature deaths imposed the highest costs (2007 = 66%, 2018 = 66% of all) followed by indirect costs on the loss of productivity of caretakers (2007 = 21%, 2018 = 26%) and direct medical costs (2007 = 13%, 2018 = 8%).

Conclusions: Societal costs from diarrhoeal diseases were reduced from 2007 to 2018 in Bangladesh. However, the economic burden was equivalent to 0.29% of country’s gross domestic product in 2018 and remains a challenge. The major contributor to the costs was premature mortality from diarrhoeal diseases. Premature deaths are still prevalent though they to a large extent are avoidable. To further limit the economic burden, under-five diarrhoea mortality and morbidity reduction should be accelerated.