The Economic Burden of Hospitalizations Associated With Child Abuse and Neglect
Date
2004
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Publisher
American Journal of Public Health
Abstract
Objectives: This study assessed the economic burden of child abuse–related hospitalizations. Methods: We compared inpatient stays coded with a diagnosis of child abuse or neglect with stays of other hospitalized children using the 1999 National Inpatient Sample of the Healthcare Costs and Utilization Project. Results: Children whose hospital stays were coded with a diagnosis of abuse or neglect were significantly more likely to have died during hospitalization (4.0% vs 0.5%), have longer stays (8.2 vs 4.0 days), twice the number of diagnoses (6.3 vs 2.8), and double the total charges ($19 266 vs $9513) than were other hospitalized children. Furthermore, the primary payer was typically Medicaid (66.5% vs 37.0%). Conclusion: Earlier identification of children at risk for child abuse and neglect might reduce the individual, medical, and societal costs. (Author Abstract)
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Keywords
child abuse, cost, economic analysis, fatality, research, mortality, length of stay
Citation
Rovi, S., Chen, P. H., & Johnson, M. S. (2004). The economic burden of hospitalizations associated with child abuse and neglect. American Journal of Public Health, 94(4), 586-590.