The Quality of Economic Evaluations of Interventions to Improve Women and Child Health in Latin America: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Objectives

This study aims to characterize and assess the reporting and methodological quality of health economic evaluations (HEEs) of interventions to improve women’s and children’s health in Latin America from 2004 to 2023.

Methods

A systematic literature review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. PubMed was searched for HEEs published between 2004 and 2023. The search terms included HEEs or cost-benefit analysis, Latin America or Latin American countries, and pediatrics and/or gynecology. Articles were eligible for inclusion if they were HEEs; published in English, Spanish, or Portuguese; and focused on pediatrics and/or gynecology in Latin America. Data extraction included study characteristics, methodological aspects, reporting, and methodological quality based on the Consolidated Health Economic Evaluation Reporting Standards 2013 and Quality of Health Economic Studies checklists.

Results

Of 141 articles identified, 55 met the inclusion criteria. Most articles were cost-effectiveness evaluations conducted in Colombia and were aimed at pediatric patients. The quality assessment revealed that most Consolidated Health Economic Evaluation Reporting Standards and Quality of Health Economic Studies items were reported in at least 60% of the articles and that the study setting, justification for study perspective, bias acknowledgment, and subgroup analyses were the least frequently reported items.

Conclusions

This study highlights that although the number of HEEs in pediatrics and/or gynecology in Latin American countries is growing, to improve the transparency and generalizability of HEEs, the reporting and methodological quality of HEEs need to be improved. Seven key areas were identified for improving adherence to international quality standards.