scholarly journals The Modelled Population Obesity-Related Health Benefits of Reducing Consumption of Discretionary Foods in Australia

Nutrients ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 649 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anita Lal ◽  
Anna Peeters ◽  
Vicki Brown ◽  
Phuong Nguyen ◽  
Huong Ngoc Quynh Tran ◽  
...  

Over one third of Australians’ daily energy intake is from discretionary foods and drinks. While many health promotion efforts seek to limit discretionary food intake, the population health impact of reductions in the consumption of different types of discretionary foods (e.g., sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs), confectionery, sweet biscuits) has not been quantified. This study estimated the potential reductions in body weight, obesity-related disease incidence, and healthcare cost savings associated with consumption of one less serving per week of different discretionary foods. Reductions in the different types of discretionary food were modelled individually to estimate the impact on energy consumption and population body weight by 5-year age and sex groups. It was assumed that one serving of discretionary food each week was replaced with either a serving of fruit or popcorn, and a serving (375 mL) of SSBs was replaced with coffee, tea, or milk. Proportional multi-state multiple-cohort Markov modelling estimated likely resultant health adjusted life years (HALYs) gained and healthcare costs saved over the lifetime of the 2010 Australian population. A reduction of one serving of SSBs (375 mL) had the greatest potential impact in terms of weight reduction, particularly in ages 19–24 years (mean 0.31 kg, 95% UI: 0.23 kg to 0.37 kg) and overall healthcare cost savings of AUD 793.4 million (95% UI: 589.1 M to 976.1 M). A decrease of one serving of sweet biscuits had the second largest potential impact on weight change overall, with healthcare cost savings of $640.7 M (95% CI: $402.6 M to $885.8 M) and the largest potential weight reduction amongst those aged 75 years and over (mean 0.21 kg, 95% UI: 0.14 kg to 0.27 kg). The results demonstrate that small reductions in discretionary food consumption are likely to have substantial health benefits at the population level. Moreover, the study highlights that policy responses to improve population diets may need to be tailored to target different types of foods for different population groups.

Open Heart ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. e000943 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leopold Ndemnge Aminde ◽  
Linda J Cobiac ◽  
J Lennert Veerman

ObjectiveTo assess the potential impact of reduction in salt intake on the burden of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and premature mortality in Cameroon.MethodsUsing a multicohort proportional multistate life table model with Markov process, we modelled the impact of WHO’s recommended 30% relative reduction in population-wide sodium intake on the CVD burden for Cameroonian adults alive in 2016. Deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were conducted and used to quantify uncertainty.ResultsOver the lifetime, incidence is predicted to decrease by 5.2% (95% uncertainty interval (UI) 4.6 to 5.7) for ischaemic heart disease (IHD), 6.6% (95% UI 5.9 to 7.4) for haemorrhagic strokes, 4.8% (95% UI 4.2 to 5.4) for ischaemic strokes and 12.9% (95% UI 12.4 to 13.5) for hypertensive heart disease (HHD). Mortality over the lifetime is projected to reduce by 5.1% (95% UI 4.5 to 5.6) for IHD, by 6.9% (95% UI 6.1 to 7.7) for haemorrhagic stroke, by 4.5% (95% UI 4.0 to 5.1) for ischaemic stroke and by 13.3% (95% UI 12.9 to 13.7) for HHD. About 776 400 (95% UI 712 600 to 841 200) health-adjusted life years could be gained, and life expectancy might increase by 0.23 years and 0.20 years for men and women, respectively. A projected 16.8% change (reduction) between 2016 and 2030 in probability of premature mortality due to CVD would occur if population salt reduction recommended by WHO is attained.ConclusionAchieving the 30% reduction in sodium intake recommended by WHO could considerably decrease the burden of CVD. Targeting blood pressure via decreasing population salt intake could translate in significant reductions in premature CVD mortality in Cameroon by 2030.


Author(s):  
Liam Kelly ◽  
Michael Harrison ◽  
Noel Richardson ◽  
Paula Carroll ◽  
Tom Egan ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Physical activity (PA) interventions capable of producing health benefits cost effectively are a public health priority across the Western world. ‘Men on the Move’ (MOM), a community-based PA intervention for men, demonstrated significant health benefits up to 52-weeks (W) post-baseline. This article details the economic evaluation of MOM with a view to determining its cost-effectiveness as a public health intervention to be rolled out nationally in Ireland. Methods Cost-effectiveness was determined by comparing the costs (direct and indirect) of the programme to its benefits, which were captured as the impact on quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs). For the benefits, cost–utility analysis was conducted by retrospectively adapting various health-related measures of participants to generate health states using Brazier et al.’s (2002) short form-6D algorithm. This in turn allowed for ‘utility measures’ to be generated, from which QALYs were derived. Results Findings show MOM to be cost-effective in supporting an ‘at risk’ cohort of men achieves significant improvements in aerobic fitness, weight loss and waist reduction. The total cost per participant (€125.82 for each of the 501 intervention participants), the QALYs gained (11.98 post-12-W intervention, or 5.3% health improvement per participant) and estimated QALYs ratio costs of €3723 represents a cost-effective improvement when compared to known QALY guidelines. Conclusions The analysis shows that the cost per QALY achieved by MOM is significantly less than the existing benchmarks of £20 000 and €45 000 in the UK and Ireland respectively, demonstrating MOM to be cost-effective.


Author(s):  
Vicki Brown ◽  
Alison Barr ◽  
Jan Scheurer ◽  
Anne Magnus ◽  
Belen Zapata-Diomedi ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Physical inactivity is a global public health problem, partly due to urbanization and increased use of passive modes of transport such as private motor vehicles. Improving accessibility to public transport could be an effective policy for Governments to promote equity and efficiency within transportation systems, increase population levels of physical activity and reduce the negative externalities of motor vehicle use. Quantitative estimates of the health impacts of improvements to public transport accessibility may be useful for resource allocation and priority-setting, however few studies have been published to inform this decision-making. This paper aims to estimate the physical activity, obesity, injury, health and healthcare cost-saving outcomes of scenario-based improvements to public transport accessibility in Melbourne, Australia. Methods Baseline and two hypothetical future scenario estimates of improved public transport accessibility for Melbourne, Australia, were derived using a spatial planning and decision tool designed to simulate accessibility performance (the Spatial Network Analysis for Multimodal Urban Transport Systems (SNAMUTS)). Public transport related physical activity was quantified by strata of age group and sex from Melbourne travel survey data (VISTA survey) and used with the SNAMUTS Composite Index to estimate input data for health impact modelling for the Melbourne population aged 20–74 years. A proportional multi-state, multiple cohort lifetable Markov model quantified the potential health gains and healthcare cost-savings from estimated changes in physical activity, body weight and injuries related to walking to access/egress public transport under two scenarios: (S1) public transport accessibility under current policy directions, and (S2) multi-directional, high-frequency network improvements. Results Multi-directional, high-frequency improvements to the public transport network (S2) resulted in significantly greater health and economic gains than current policy directions (S1) in relation to physical activity (mean 6.4 more MET minutes/week), body weight (mean 0.05 kg differential), health-adjusted life years gained (absolute difference of 4878 HALYs gained) and healthcare cost-savings (absolute difference of AUD43M), as compared to business as usual under both scenarios (n = 2,832,241 adults, over the lifecourse). Conclusions Based on our conservative analyses, improving accessibility to public transport will improve population health by facilitating physical activity and lead to healthcare cost savings compared with business-as-usual. These wider health benefits should be better considered in transport planning and policy decisions.


Author(s):  
Santanu K Datta ◽  
Paul A Dennis ◽  
James M Davis

Rationale, aim & objective: The goal of this study was to examine the health and economic impacts related to increased utilization of the Duke Smoking Cessation Program resulting from the addition of two relatively new referral methods – Best Practice Advisory and Population Outreach. Materials & methods: In a companion paper ‘Comparison of Referral Methods into a Smoking Cessation Program’, we report results from a retrospective, observational, comparative effectiveness study comparing the impact of three referral methods – Traditional Referral, Best Practice Advisory and Population Outreach on utilization of the Duke Smoking Cessation Program. In this paper we take the next step in this comparative assessment by developing a Markov model to estimate the improvement in health and economic outcomes when two referral methods – Best Practice Advisory and Population Outreach – are added to Traditional Referral. Data used in this analysis were collected from Duke Primary Care and Disadvantaged Care clinics over a 1-year period (1 October 2017–30 September 2018). Results: The addition of two new referral methods – Best Practice Advisory and Population Outreach – to Traditional Referral increased the utilization of the Duke Smoking Cessation Program in Primary Care clinics from 129 to 329 smokers and in Disadvantaged Care clinics from 206 to 401 smokers. The addition of these referral methods was estimated to result in 967 life-years gained, 408 discounted quality-adjusted life-years saved and total discounted lifetime direct healthcare cost savings of US$46,376,285. Conclusion: Health systems may achieve increased patient health and decreased healthcare costs by adding Best Practice Advisory and Population Outreach strategies to refer patients to smoking cessation services.


Author(s):  
Lytske Bakker ◽  
Katerina Vaporidi ◽  
Jos Aarts ◽  
William Redekop

Abstract Background Mechanical ventilation services are an important driver of the high costs of intensive care. An optimal interaction between a patient and a ventilator is therefore paramount. Suboptimal interaction is present when patients repeatedly demand, but do not receive, breathing support from a mechanical ventilator (> 30 times in 3 min), also known as an ineffective effort event (IEEV). IEEVs are associated with increased hospital mortality prolonged intensive care stay, and prolonged time on ventilation and thus development of real-time analytics that identify IEEVs is essential. To assist decision-making about further development we estimate the potential cost-effectiveness of real-time analytics that identify ineffective effort events. Methods We developed a cost-effectiveness model combining a decision tree and Markov model for long-term outcomes with data on current care from a Greek hospital and literature. A lifetime horizon and a healthcare payer perspective were used. Uncertainty about the results was assessed using sensitivity and scenario analyses to examine the impact of varying parameters like the intensive care costs per day and the effectiveness of treatment of IEEVs. Results Use of the analytics could lead to reduced mortality (3% absolute reduction), increased quality adjusted life years (0.21 per patient) and cost-savings (€264 per patient) compared to current care. Moreover, cost-savings for hospitals and health improvements can be incurred even if the treatment’s effectiveness is reduced from 30 to 10%. The estimated savings increase to €1,155 per patient in countries where costs of an intensive care day are high (e.g. the Netherlands). There is considerable headroom for development and the analytics generate savings when the price of the analytics per bed per year is below €7,307. Furthermore, even when the treatment’s effectiveness is 10%, the probability that the analytics are cost-effective exceeds 90%. Conclusions Implementing real-time analytics to identify ineffective effort events can lead to health and financial benefits. Therefore, it will be worthwhile to continue assessment of the effectiveness of the analytics in clinical practice and validate our findings. Eventually, their adoption in settings where costs of an intensive care day are high and ineffective efforts are frequent could yield a high return on investment.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mary Rose Angeles ◽  
Sithara Wanni Arachchige Dona ◽  
Dieu Nguyen ◽  
Long Le ◽  
Martin Hensher

Abstract Background Concerns have grown that post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 may affect significant numbers of survivors. However, the analyses used to guide policy-making for Australia’s national and state re-opening plans have not incorporated non-acute illness in their modelling. We therefore develop a model by which to estimate the potential acute and post-acute COVID-19 burden using disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) associated with the re-opening of Australian borders and the easing of other public health measures, with particular attention to longer term, post-acute consequences and the potential impact of permanent functional impairment following COVID-19. Methods A model was developed to estimate the burden of COVID-19 using DALYs. It was then applied to different scenarios drawn from the Doherty Institute’s modelling report, to estimate the likely DALY losses under the Australian national reopening plan. Uncertainty and sensitivity analysis were performed to examine the robustness of the results. Results Mortality was responsible for 72%-74% of the total base case COVID-19 burden. Long COVID and post-intensive care syndrome accounted for at least 19% and 3% of the total base case DALYs respectively. When included in the analysis, permanent impairment could contribute up to 51%-55% of total DALYs lost. Conclusions The impact of Long COVID and potential long-term post-COVID disabilities could contribute substantially to COVID-19 burden in Australia’s post-vaccination setting. As vaccination coverage increases, the share of COVID-19 burden driven by longer-term morbidity rises relative to mortality. As Australia re-opens, better estimates of COVID-19 burden can assist with decision-making on pandemic control measures and planning for the healthcare needs of COVID-19 survivors. Our estimates highlight the importance of valuing the morbidity of post-COVID-19 sequelae, above and beyond simple mortality and case statistics.


2022 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. e007824
Author(s):  
Naomi Gibbs ◽  
Colin Angus ◽  
Simon Dixon ◽  
D H Charles ◽  
Petra S Meier ◽  
...  

IntroductionSouth Africa experiences significant levels of alcohol-related harm. Recent research suggests minimum unit pricing (MUP) for alcohol would be an effective policy, but high levels of income inequality raise concerns about equity impacts. This paper quantifies the equity impact of MUP on household health and finances in rich and poor drinkers in South Africa.MethodsWe draw from extended cost-effectiveness analysis (ECEA) methods and an epidemiological policy appraisal model of MUP for South Africa to simulate the equity impact of a ZAR 10 MUP over a 20-year time horizon. We estimate the impact across wealth quintiles on: (i) alcohol consumption and expenditures; (ii) mortality; (iii) government healthcare cost savings; (iv) reductions in cases of catastrophic health expenditures (CHE) and household savings linked to reduced health-related workplace absence.ResultsWe estimate MUP would reduce consumption more among the poorest than the richest drinkers. Expenditure would increase by ZAR 353 000 million (1 US$=13.2 ZAR), the poorest contributing 13% and the richest 28% of the increase, although this remains regressive compared with mean income. Of the 22 600 deaths averted, 56% accrue to the bottom two quintiles; government healthcare cost savings would be substantial (ZAR 3.9 billion). Cases of CHE averted would be 564 700, 46% among the poorest two quintiles. Indirect cost savings amount to ZAR 51.1 billion.ConclusionsA MUP policy in South Africa has the potential to reduce harm and health inequality. Fiscal policies for population health require structured policy appraisal, accounting for the totality of effects using mathematical models in association with ECEA methodology.


SLEEP ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 44 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. A177-A177
Author(s):  
Jaejin An ◽  
Henry Glick ◽  
Jiaxiao Shi ◽  
Aiyu Chen ◽  
Jessica Arguelles ◽  
...  

Abstract Introduction The impact of positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) on healthcare costs is uncertain. We explored the relationship between 3-year PAP adherence and direct healthcare cost utilizing the Tele-OSA study cohort. Methods The Tele-OSA randomized clinical trial demonstrated improved PAP adherence in patients receiving automated feedback messaging regarding their PAP use versus usual care. The study enrolled patients at Kaiser Permanente Southern California, a large integrated healthcare system, from 2014–2015. Patients with moderate-severe OSA (Apnea Hypopnea Index [AHI] ≥15) from all study arms were consolidated, then stratified into PAP adherence groups based on mean PAP hours and PAP use patterns over 3-year follow-up period: (a) high adherence (consistent ≥4 hours/night); (b) moderate adherence (2–3.9 hours/night or inconsistent ≥4 hours/night); (c) low adherence (<2 hours/night). Healthcare costs (2020 US dollars) were derived by assigning costs from Federal fee schedules to healthcare utilization extracted from electronic health records. The 6-month mean healthcare costs during follow-up were estimated using generalized linear models adjusting for patient demographics, comorbidities, Medicaid coverage, prior healthcare cost, and AHI. Results Of 374 patients (mean age 50 years, 63% male), 22% were categorized into high adherence, 18% moderate adherence, and 60% low adherence to PAP therapy. Mean (SD) hours of PAP use were 6.5 (1.1) hours, 3.7 (1.3) hours, and 0.3 (0.5) hours for high, moderate, and low adherence groups, respectively. The high adherence group had the lowest average (SE) adjusted 6-month healthcare costs compared with other groups (High: $2,991 [$234]; Moderate: $3,604 [$412]; Low: $3,854 [$300]). Cost savings of high vs low adherence were $862 (95% CI $1540, $185). Cost savings of moderate vs low adherence were $250 (95% CI -$694, $1,193). Conclusion Better PAP adherence was associated with significantly lower healthcare costs over 3 years in patients with moderate-severe OSA. Findings support the importance of care strategies to enhance long-term PAP adherence for OSA therapy. Support (if any) The Tele-OSA Study was supported by AASM Foundation SRA Grant #: 104-SR-13


2013 ◽  
Vol 16 (12) ◽  
pp. 2124-2131 ◽  
Author(s):  
Astrid L Holm ◽  
Mai-Britt Laursen ◽  
Maria Koch ◽  
Jørgen D Jensen ◽  
Finn Diderichsen

AbstractObjectiveThe present study aimed to estimate the health benefits of selective taxation of healthy and unhealthy food commodities in relation to CVD and nutrition-related cancers.DesignThe potential health effects of a selective taxation scenario were estimated as changes in the burden of disease, measured by disability-adjusted life years, from health outcomes affected by the changes in food intake. The change in burden of a disease was calculated as the change in incidence of the disease due to a modified exposure level, using the potential impact fraction. Estimates of relative risk for the associations between various foods and relevant diseases were found through a literature search and used in the calculation of potential impact fractions.SettingThe study was based in Denmark, estimating the health effects of a Danish selective taxation scenario.SubjectsThe potential health effects of selective taxation were modelled for the adult Danish population.ResultsHalving the rate of value-added tax on fruit and vegetables and increasing the tax on fats would result in moderate reductions in the burden of disease from IHD, ischaemic stroke, and colorectal, lung and breast cancer (0·4–2·4 % change). The largest effect could be obtained through increased intake of fruit and vegetables (0·9–2·4 %).ConclusionsApplying selective taxation to healthy and unhealthy foods can moderately reduce the burden of disease in the Danish population.


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