Socioeconomic impact of preterm birth in German-speaking regions: parental perspective

Objective: There is a strain on preterm infants and their parents due to a higher risk of cognitive impairment and neurodevelopmental ittle or no data exist describing the socioeconomic burden of preterm infants to the parents and society. Methods: We used a novel web-based technology to perform a survey approaching parents of preterm infants. The survey was developed in collaboration of parents, paediatricians and socio-economic researchers. Covered topics were morbidity, social status, direct and indirect costs. Adequate measures were used to ensure the quality of the data. Data were collected between September 07 and March 08. Results: Parents of 588 children born preterm in German speaking countries responded. Preterm infants born before 28 weeks of gestation had to be in hospital for 116 days after birth, 41% were readmitted to hospital up to one month. Retardation of general development, dimness of vision/squint, and difficulties with eating were the most common neurological problems (up to 58%). Physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and logopedics are the most frequently applied therapies (up to 86%). 45% of the schoolchildren (from 128) are sent to schools for special needs. Parents drive 12.000 km at an average for the care of their children during the first five years of children lives. The greatest costs for parents emerge from the need of therapies and the supervision of other children. Conclusions: Here we present a novel approach to assess the burden to parents of preterm infants. The results of the survey clearly add new information to the overall impact of preterm birth to the parents, but also the society. After adaption this survey will be expanded to an European level.