Cost Benefits of a Peer-Led Asthma Self-Management Program for Adolescents

Objective. Frequent use of health-care services associated with pediatric asthma places substantial economic burden on families and society. The purpose of this study is to examine the cost-saving effects of a peer-led program through reduction in health-care utilization in comparison to an adult-led program. Methods. Randomly assigned adolescents (13–17 years) participated in either peer-led (n = 59) or adult-led (n = 53) asthma self-management program. Health-care utilization data were collected at baseline and at 3-, 6-, and 9-months post-intervention. Negative binomial regression models were conducted to examine the effects of the peer-led program on health-care utilization. Net cost savings were estimated based on the differences in program costs and health-care utilization costs between groups. Results. Significant group differences were found in acute office visits and school clinic visits after controlling for race and socioeconomic status. The incidence rate of acute office visits was 80–82% less...