Cost and health‐related quality of life for children hospitalized with respiratory syncytial virus in Central China

Abstract Background The economic burden of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection and its impact on health‐related quality life (HRQoL) are not well‐understood in China. This study assessed total cost HRQoL for children hospitalized with RSV Central Methods Based a prospective case series Henan Province 2020–2021, inpatients aged 0–59 months RSV‐related acute infections (ARIs) were included into analysis. Total direct medical (sum before during hospitalization), non‐medical cost, indirect cost. Direct hospitalization data extracted from the hospital information system. Other costs status obtained telephone survey conducted caregivers enrolled patients. Results Among 261 RSV‐infected inpatients, 170 non‐severe cases (65.1%, 170/261) successfully interviewed. per episode was 1055.3 US dollars (US$) (95% CI: 998.2–1112.5 US$). 83.6 US$ 77.5–89.7 US$) 162.4 127.9–197.0 US$), respectively. Quality adjusted years (QALY) loss 8.9 × 10 −3 7.9 –9.9 ). majority <1 year age comprising significantly higher more QALY than older children. Conclusions RSV‐associated poses high health China particularly old. Our findings crucial determining priority interventions allocation resources.