Low socio‐economic conditions and prematurity‐related morbidities explain healthcare use and costs for 2‐year‐old very preterm children

Aim To estimate healthcare use and related costs for 2‐year‐old very preterm (VP) children after discharge from the neonatal unit. Methods As part of a European project, we recruited an area‐based cohort including all VP infants born in three Italian regions (Lazio, Emilia‐Romagna and Marche) in 2011‐2012. At 2 years corrected age, parents completed a questionnaire on their child health and healthcare use (N = 732, response rate 75.6%). Cost values were assigned based on national reimbursement tariffs. We used multivariable analyses to identify factors associated with any rehospitalisation and overall healthcare costs. Results The most frequently consulted physicians were the paediatrician (85% of children), the ophthalmologist (36%) and the neurologist/neuropsychiatrist (26%); 38% of children were hospitalised at least once after the initial discharge, for a total of 513 admissions and over one million euros cost, corresponding to 75% of total healthcare costs. Low maternal education and parental occupation index, congenital anomalies and postnatal prematurity‐related morbidities significantly increased the risk of rehospitalisation and total healthcare costs. Conclusion Rehospitalisation and outpatient care are frequent in VP children, confirming a substantial health and economic burden. These findings should inform the allocation of resources to preventive and rehabilitation services for these children.