Healthcare Resource Utilization and Economic Burden Among Caregivers of Individuals With Autism Spectrum Disorder Caregiver: Findings From the 2024 5EU National Health and Wellness Survey
Author(s)
Sheila Drakeley, MPH, Jacob Matta, MPH, Kathy Annunziata, MA.
Oracle Life Science, Austin, TX, USA.
Oracle Life Science, Austin, TX, USA.
OBJECTIVES: Millions of Europeans serve as caregivers, many supporting individuals with neurological or developmental conditions. The study aimed to describe the sociodemographic profile and economic burden of caregivers to individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in the 5EU (France, Spain, Germany, Italy, UK ).
METHODS: Data from the 2024 5EU National Health and Wellness Survey, a cross-sectional, nationally representative survey of adults (aged ≥18 years), recruited via general population panels using quota sampling. Participants self-reported being caregivers to adults with ASD (CA) or caregivers to children with ASD (CC). Caregiver characteristics and healthcare resource utilization (HCRU) were evaluated. Economic burden was estimated using WHO-CHOICE cost data, adjusted using OECD CPI inflation rates.
RESULTS: Across the 5EU, 546 were CA and 897 were CC, with all countries reporting more CC than CA. The UK had the highest count in both groups, while France had the largest difference between groups. Most caregivers were male (62.1% of CA and 52.8% of CC), although in France, Spain and the UK, female CC caregivers were more common (50.2%, 51.1%, and 51.8%, respectively). CA were more likely to be employed full-time, except in Italy. On average, CC had more HCP visits (6.5±12.1 vs 5.9±9.2) while CA had more ER visits (1.9±6.5 vs. 1.5±5.6) and hospitalizations (2.2±9.8 vs. 1.3±4.9). This trend reversed in France and UK, where CA had more of all three HCRU types. CA accrued greater costs for ER visits (€ 288.78± € 880.55) and hospitalization (€ 9,585.18±€ 44,392.94) than CC.
CONCLUSIONS: Both CA and CC experience increased HCRU and economic burden underscoring the need for targeted interventions to alleviate financial strains and mitigate broader economic impact.
METHODS: Data from the 2024 5EU National Health and Wellness Survey, a cross-sectional, nationally representative survey of adults (aged ≥18 years), recruited via general population panels using quota sampling. Participants self-reported being caregivers to adults with ASD (CA) or caregivers to children with ASD (CC). Caregiver characteristics and healthcare resource utilization (HCRU) were evaluated. Economic burden was estimated using WHO-CHOICE cost data, adjusted using OECD CPI inflation rates.
RESULTS: Across the 5EU, 546 were CA and 897 were CC, with all countries reporting more CC than CA. The UK had the highest count in both groups, while France had the largest difference between groups. Most caregivers were male (62.1% of CA and 52.8% of CC), although in France, Spain and the UK, female CC caregivers were more common (50.2%, 51.1%, and 51.8%, respectively). CA were more likely to be employed full-time, except in Italy. On average, CC had more HCP visits (6.5±12.1 vs 5.9±9.2) while CA had more ER visits (1.9±6.5 vs. 1.5±5.6) and hospitalizations (2.2±9.8 vs. 1.3±4.9). This trend reversed in France and UK, where CA had more of all three HCRU types. CA accrued greater costs for ER visits (€ 288.78± € 880.55) and hospitalization (€ 9,585.18±€ 44,392.94) than CC.
CONCLUSIONS: Both CA and CC experience increased HCRU and economic burden underscoring the need for targeted interventions to alleviate financial strains and mitigate broader economic impact.
Conference/Value in Health Info
2025-11, ISPOR Europe 2025, Glasgow, Scotland
Value in Health, Volume 28, Issue S2
Code
EE515
Topic
Economic Evaluation
Topic Subcategory
Cost/Cost of Illness/Resource Use Studies
Disease
Neurological Disorders