Cerebral palsy (CP) is the most common cause of motor disability in children and is a lifelong condition without a cure. It imposes a significant economic burden on families and healthcare systems, yet its financial impact in Spain has not been thoroughly studied until now.
This cost-of-illness study, conducted from a societal perspective, aimed to quantify the economic and social costs associated with pediatric CP in Spain. Researchers used data from a population-based epidemiological registry and collected information through structured questionnaires and administrative records from regional healthcare and government sources over a one-year period.
The study included 148 children with CP (average age: 9.72 years) and their primary caregivers (66% female, average age: 42.97 years). Medical care costs averaged €3,801 (3.72% of total costs), while out-of-pocket expenses totaled €7,041 (6.89%), primarily due to complementary and alternative therapies used by 64% of families. Special education costs amounted to €8,932 (8.75%).
The largest component of the economic burden came from caregiver productivity losses, which accounted for €60,638 (59.37%) of the total costs. The average annual societal cost per child with CP was €102,135, more than thirty times Spain’s average per capita healthcare expenditure. When using a conservative estimate that values caregiver time at minimum wage, the social costs would still amount to €70,190 per child.
Children with severe motor impairments (GMFCS III–V) had nearly double the costs of those with milder impairments (GMFCS I–II) (1.96; 95% CI: 1.92–2.01).
The findings highlight the significant caregiving and non-medical costs associated with pediatric CP, revealing gaps in financial and social support systems. These results suggest the need for targeted policies to reduce caregiver strain and improve funding for assistive services, enhancing equity in CP care. Comprehensive cost-effectiveness analyses are also necessary to guide resource allocation and ensure sustainable support strategies.