Analysis of related factors and disease costs of respiratory infection and environmental pollution in children

BACKGROUND: In recent years, air pollution and the number of children with respiratory tract infections increased. This also increased the burden related to the treatment of disease, so the government and relevant departments need to strengthen their management. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to quantitatively analyze the relationship between respiratory infection and air quality in children and gain insight into the burden of related diseases. METHODS: Data regarding outpatient and emergency department visits in children of 14 years or younger in 16 public and private medical institutions were collected for four months. Routine air quality monitoring data in Shanghai from the same period were correlated with these medical data by descriptive statistics, Pearson's correlation analysis and multivariate linear regression analysis. RESULTS: There was a positive correlation between respiratory tract infections in 73376 children and Air Quality Index (AQI), PM2.5, SO2 and NO2 levels. The total medical expense per patient was 80.22 yuan, and the average compensation ratio of medical insurance per patient was 18.95%. The increase in AQI and the concentration of major air pollutants will lead to increased medical treatment for children with respiratory diseases. CONCLUSION: It is suggested that the intensity of air pollution control should be increased, so that the special period of childhood respiratory protection is strengthened. Moreover, child medical insurance coverage should also be moderately increased to safeguard the rights and interests of children's health.