Cost of Illness – Acquired Brain Injury in Queensland Children: Evidence from a Population- Based Study

Background: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) affects 280-1373/100,000 young people globally each year, with non-traumatic acquired brain injury (ABI) affecting an additional 82.3/100,000 [1]. ABI leads to long-term negative impacts on patients, families, and society, costing the global economy around US$400 billion annually [2]. Objective: This study estimates the direct (hospitalisation) and indirect (opportunity costs from bed-days) costs of children with ABI. It also analyses factors influencing hospital length of stay, helping guide resource allocation. Methods: Using an incidence-based, bottom-up approach, average length of stay is used to estimate medical costs. Regression analyses (linear, logit, and ordered logit models) were used to assess factors influencing length of stay and ABI severity. Results: In 2020, 5667 new ABI cases in Queensland incurred $0.112 billion in total costs. The cost per mild case was $15,863.41, while severe cases averaged $300,049.61. Mild cases represented 75% of total costs. ICU stay length and ventilatory support duration were significant factors in cost analysis. Conclusion: Preventing secondary injury should be a priority in ABI care.