A Cost Effectiveness Analysis of Breastfeeding Promotion Within Georgia's WIC Program
Wherry, Erica
Citations
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: It is well established that breastfeeding is optimal for infants for the first six months of life. Breastfeeding is a public health concern as current prevalence and initiation rates within the state of Georgia do not reflect public health target rates.
AIM: To examine the cost and health savings of infants who are exclusively breastfed versus the expenditures and health detriment for exclusively formula fed infants in Georgia.
METHODS: A cost effectiveness analysis was conducted on breastfeeding rates for infants in the Georgia’s WIC using data from the USDA.
RESULTS: Breastfeeding programming in GA is costlier than formula use for WIC infants, but more cost effective as a whole given short-term outcomes.
DISCUSSION: Improving breastfeeding rates in Georgia by providing infants the healthiest start in life is an adequate prevention strategy to reduce health disparities gaps within the United States.