Pub Date : 2026-01-16DOI: 10.1016/j.vhri.2025.101499
Jia Hao Wong MPH , Julian Lim MPH , Benjamin Er MSc , Abigail Wong MPH , Kyaw Thu Aung PhD , Kenneth Chow BSc , Cynthia Chen PhD
Objectives
Foodborne Diseases (FBD) are a significant public health issue worldwide, affecting both low and high income countries with over 600 million cases reported in a year. This study provided the first estimate of the economic cost of FBD in Singapore.
Methods
The incidence of FBD was first estimated using local data sources. We estimated the cases in the community by applying relevant foodborne and underreporting multipliers elicited through expert opinion and the existing literature. The direct and indirect costs associated with the cases were used to estimate the total economic cost due to FBD from known pathogens and gastroenteritis. Direct costs included both inpatient and primary healthcare utilization. Indirect costs included productivity losses due to absenteeism and wage loss due to premature mortality.
Results
There were 6080 cases of FBD from known pathogens, with a total societal cost of $15.1 million). There were 184 000 cases of unspecified gastroenteritis, which cost $67.1 million. Nontyphoidal Salmonella contributed the most significant number of cases (n = 2050) and the highest societal cost ($8.12 million) among the known pathogens, whereas Listeria had the highest societal cost per case ($49 900).
Conclusions
Our study showed similar results to studies conducted in other countries. This study estimates the true economic burden of FBD. It would help policy makers prioritize FBD so that targeted preventive measures can be implemented to reduce the costs associated with FBD, which pose significant economic costs to society.
{"title":"The Economic Burden of Foodborne Diseases in Singapore","authors":"Jia Hao Wong MPH , Julian Lim MPH , Benjamin Er MSc , Abigail Wong MPH , Kyaw Thu Aung PhD , Kenneth Chow BSc , Cynthia Chen PhD","doi":"10.1016/j.vhri.2025.101499","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vhri.2025.101499","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>Foodborne Diseases (FBD) are a significant public health issue worldwide, affecting both low and high income countries with over 600 million cases reported in a year. This study provided the first estimate of the economic cost of FBD in Singapore.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>The incidence of FBD was first estimated using local data sources. We estimated the cases in the community by applying relevant foodborne and underreporting multipliers elicited through expert opinion and the existing literature. The direct and indirect costs associated with the cases were used to estimate the total economic cost due to FBD from known pathogens and gastroenteritis. Direct costs included both inpatient and primary healthcare utilization. Indirect costs included productivity losses due to absenteeism and wage loss due to premature mortality.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>There were 6080 cases of FBD from known pathogens, with a total societal cost of $15.1 million). There were 184 000 cases of unspecified gastroenteritis, which cost $67.1 million. Nontyphoidal Salmonella contributed the most significant number of cases (n = 2050) and the highest societal cost ($8.12 million) among the known pathogens, whereas Listeria had the highest societal cost per case ($49 900).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Our study showed similar results to studies conducted in other countries. This study estimates the true economic burden of FBD. It would help policy makers prioritize FBD so that targeted preventive measures can be implemented to reduce the costs associated with FBD, which pose significant economic costs to society.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23497,"journal":{"name":"Value in health regional issues","volume":"52 ","pages":"Article 101499"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-01-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145976468","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-16DOI: 10.1016/j.vhri.2025.101586
Sinaï Francisco Dias MSc , Brian Asare MSc , Lumbwe Chola PhD
Objectives
Most African children born with sickle cell disease (SCD) will die before their fifth birthday. Hydroxyurea has proven therapeutic benefits for SCD yet remains inaccessible to many children in low- and middle-income countries. To inform policy on coverage and reimbursement, this study evaluates the cost-effectiveness of hydroxyurea for pediatric SCD in Ghana, compared with the standard of care.
Methods
We developed a Markov model of SCD progression, incorporating costs and effects from a Ghanaian payer perspective, over a 17-year time horizon. Outcomes were life-years gained and disability-adjusted life-years averted. Cost-effectiveness was determined using the World Health Organization willingness-to-pay threshold of 1 times the per-capita gross domestic product and an alternative country-specific threshold based on health opportunity cost ($580.52). One-way and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were undertaken. Costs and effects were discounted at 3% per annum.
Results
In the base case, the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio was $1440.34 per disability-adjusted life-year averted and $1823.89 per life-year gained. The intervention was potentially cost-effective using the World Health Organization threshold but not cost-effective using the alternative threshold. The 1-way sensitivity analysis highlighted the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio’s sensitivity to price changes, emphasizing the importance of price negotiations.
Conclusions
Hydroxyurea can provide substantial health benefits for Ghanaian children with SCD. The results provide a strong argument for the incorporation of hydroxyurea into the Ghana national health insurance benefits package. Future research should address the disparity in threshold outcomes and the need for country-specific data on the long-term effects and broader economic impact of hydroxyurea in Ghana.
{"title":"Cost-Effectiveness of Hydroxyurea for Treatment of Children With Sickle Cell Anemia in Ghana","authors":"Sinaï Francisco Dias MSc , Brian Asare MSc , Lumbwe Chola PhD","doi":"10.1016/j.vhri.2025.101586","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vhri.2025.101586","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>Most African children born with sickle cell disease (SCD) will die before their fifth birthday. Hydroxyurea has proven therapeutic benefits for SCD yet remains inaccessible to many children in low- and middle-income countries. To inform policy on coverage and reimbursement, this study evaluates the cost-effectiveness of hydroxyurea for pediatric SCD in Ghana, compared with the standard of care.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We developed a Markov model of SCD progression, incorporating costs and effects from a Ghanaian payer perspective, over a 17-year time horizon. Outcomes were life-years gained and disability-adjusted life-years averted. Cost-effectiveness was determined using the World Health Organization willingness-to-pay threshold of 1 times the per-capita gross domestic product and an alternative country-specific threshold based on health opportunity cost ($580.52). One-way and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were undertaken. Costs and effects were discounted at 3% per annum.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>In the base case, the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio was $1440.34 per disability-adjusted life-year averted and $1823.89 per life-year gained. The intervention was potentially cost-effective using the World Health Organization threshold but not cost-effective using the alternative threshold. The 1-way sensitivity analysis highlighted the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio’s sensitivity to price changes, emphasizing the importance of price negotiations.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Hydroxyurea can provide substantial health benefits for Ghanaian children with SCD. The results provide a strong argument for the incorporation of hydroxyurea into the Ghana national health insurance benefits package. Future research should address the disparity in threshold outcomes and the need for country-specific data on the long-term effects and broader economic impact of hydroxyurea in Ghana.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23497,"journal":{"name":"Value in health regional issues","volume":"55 ","pages":"Article 101586"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-01-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145982111","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-10DOI: 10.1016/j.vhri.2025.101583
Jeff Clyde G. Corpuz PhD
{"title":"How Can Mortality Trajectory Analysis Improve Health Policy and Research in Southeast Asia?","authors":"Jeff Clyde G. Corpuz PhD","doi":"10.1016/j.vhri.2025.101583","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vhri.2025.101583","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":23497,"journal":{"name":"Value in health regional issues","volume":"54 ","pages":"Article 101583"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-01-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145925614","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Secukinumab has demonstrated a promising efficacy among patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) who had an inadequate response to tumor necrosis factor inhibitors (TNF-IR). This study aimed to assess the cost-utility and budget impact of secukinumab compared with standard treatment among PsA patients who were TNF-IR in Thailand.
Methods
A hybrid model from a societal perspective was undertaken. Patients with PsA who were TNF-IR and aged 40 years were simulated. Secukinumab 150 mg, secukinumab 300 mg, and secukinumab 150 mg with escalated dose to 300 mg if not responded at 6 months (switching) were compared with standard of care. All inputs were collected from comprehensive literature review. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) was calculated. A budget impact was also estimated.
Results
Secukinumab 150 mg, secukinumab 300 mg, and secukinumab switching had 0.10, 0.30, and 0.89 additional QALYs, respectively. However, secukinumab 150 mg required an additional lifetime cost of 74 783 Thai baht (THB) ($2149), whereas secukinumab 300 mg required 238 457 THB ($6851) and secukinumab switching required 338 540 THB ($9726). The incremental cost-effectiveness ratios for secukinumab 150 mg, secukinumab 300 mg, and secukinumab switching were 724 964 THB/QALY ($20 828/QALY), 793 652 THB/QALY ($22 802/QALY), and 380 445 THB ($10 930/QALY), respectively. Average net budget impacts for the first 5 year were 90 million THB ($2.95 million), 1117 million THB ($32.09 million), and 871 million ($25.02 million) for secukinumab 150 mg, secukinumab 300 mg, and secukinumab switching, respectively.
Conclusions
Secukinumab provided clinical benefits for PsA patients who were TNF-IR, but it is not a cost-effective option at its current price.
{"title":"Economic Evaluation and Budget Impact Analysis of Secukinumab as a Second-Line Treatment Among Patients With Psoriatic Arthritis Who Were Tumor Necrosis Factor Inadequate Responders in Thailand","authors":"Unchalee Permsuwan PhD , Ratree Sawangjit PhD , Piyameth Dilokthornsakul PharmD, PhD","doi":"10.1016/j.vhri.2025.101570","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vhri.2025.101570","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>Secukinumab has demonstrated a promising efficacy among patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) who had an inadequate response to tumor necrosis factor inhibitors (TNF-IR). This study aimed to assess the cost-utility and budget impact of secukinumab compared with standard treatment among PsA patients who were TNF-IR in Thailand.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A hybrid model from a societal perspective was undertaken. Patients with PsA who were TNF-IR and aged 40 years were simulated. Secukinumab 150 mg, secukinumab 300 mg, and secukinumab 150 mg with escalated dose to 300 mg if not responded at 6 months (switching) were compared with standard of care. All inputs were collected from comprehensive literature review. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) was calculated. A budget impact was also estimated.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Secukinumab 150 mg, secukinumab 300 mg, and secukinumab switching had 0.10, 0.30, and 0.89 additional QALYs, respectively. However, secukinumab 150 mg required an additional lifetime cost of 74 783 Thai baht (THB) ($2149), whereas secukinumab 300 mg required 238 457 THB ($6851) and secukinumab switching required 338 540 THB ($9726). The incremental cost-effectiveness ratios for secukinumab 150 mg, secukinumab 300 mg, and secukinumab switching were 724 964 THB/QALY ($20 828/QALY), 793 652 THB/QALY ($22 802/QALY), and 380 445 THB ($10 930/QALY), respectively. Average net budget impacts for the first 5 year were 90 million THB ($2.95 million), 1117 million THB ($32.09 million), and 871 million ($25.02 million) for secukinumab 150 mg, secukinumab 300 mg, and secukinumab switching, respectively.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Secukinumab provided clinical benefits for PsA patients who were TNF-IR, but it is not a cost-effective option at its current price.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23497,"journal":{"name":"Value in health regional issues","volume":"54 ","pages":"Article 101570"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-01-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145953030","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-08DOI: 10.1016/j.vhri.2025.101575
Rana Aljaber MSc , Rawan F. Al Froukh MSc , Amna Al Hashar PhD
Objectives
Despite advancements, breast cancer remains a major global health and financial challenge. Trastuzumab-based therapies, particularly Fam-Trastuzumab-Deruxtecan (T-DXd), have shown superior outcomes, leading to its recommendation as a preferred second-line treatment. However, its high cost necessitates a budget impact analysis (BIA) to evaluate financial feasibility. This study assesses the 1-year budget impact of replacing Trastuzumab Emtansine (TDM1) with T-DXd for HER2+ metastatic breast cancer in an Omani cancer center.
Methods
A static BIA model was built based on National Institute for Health and Care Excellence template with adaptation as required. The model time horizon was 1 year then projected over another 2 years, using 2022 as the baseline year, adopting Omani healthcare-payer perspective. The analysis considered 2 scenarios: (1) TDM1 as the current formulary drug and (2) T-DXd is introduced instead of TDM1, assuming that treatment share would be 100%. One-way sensitivity analysis is performed to assess the model’s robustness.
Results
The BIA demonstrated that replacing TDM1 with T-DXd for the eligible patients would lead to increase in the budget expenditure. Over a 3-year period, considering the provided assumptions and input data, the cumulative excess amount to €5 909 481.67. The primary contributing factors are the drug acquisition cost and the median treatment duration. The sensitivity analysis results suggest the model is robust to changes in adverse drug reaction costs, unlike changes in treatment duration and drug cost.
Conclusions
Although T-DXd improves clinical outcomes, its adoption as a second-line treatment in Oman poses a substantial financial burden, necessitating careful budget planning to ensure long-term affordability.
{"title":"Budget Impact Analysis of Fam-Trastuzumab-Deruxtecan as a Second Line in Patients With HER2-Positive Metastatic Breast Cancer in Oman","authors":"Rana Aljaber MSc , Rawan F. Al Froukh MSc , Amna Al Hashar PhD","doi":"10.1016/j.vhri.2025.101575","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vhri.2025.101575","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>Despite advancements, breast cancer remains a major global health and financial challenge. Trastuzumab-based therapies, particularly Fam-Trastuzumab-Deruxtecan (T-DXd), have shown superior outcomes, leading to its recommendation as a preferred second-line treatment. However, its high cost necessitates a budget impact analysis (BIA) to evaluate financial feasibility. This study assesses the 1-year budget impact of replacing Trastuzumab Emtansine (TDM1) with T-DXd for HER2+ metastatic breast cancer in an Omani cancer center.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A static BIA model was built based on National Institute for Health and Care Excellence template with adaptation as required. The model time horizon was 1 year then projected over another 2 years, using 2022 as the baseline year, adopting Omani healthcare-payer perspective. The analysis considered 2 scenarios: (1) TDM1 as the current formulary drug and (2) T-DXd is introduced instead of TDM1, assuming that treatment share would be 100%. One-way sensitivity analysis is performed to assess the model’s robustness.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The BIA demonstrated that replacing TDM1 with T-DXd for the eligible patients would lead to increase in the budget expenditure. Over a 3-year period, considering the provided assumptions and input data, the cumulative excess amount to €5 909 481.67. The primary contributing factors are the drug acquisition cost and the median treatment duration. The sensitivity analysis results suggest the model is robust to changes in adverse drug reaction costs, unlike changes in treatment duration and drug cost.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Although T-DXd improves clinical outcomes, its adoption as a second-line treatment in Oman poses a substantial financial burden, necessitating careful budget planning to ensure long-term affordability.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23497,"journal":{"name":"Value in health regional issues","volume":"54 ","pages":"Article 101575"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-01-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145925613","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
To generate India-specific health state utility values for head and neck cancers (HNCs) using EuroQol 5-Dimension 5-Level (EQ-5D-5L) and EuroQol Visual Analog Scale (EQ-VAS) instruments, enabling context-relevant cost-utility analyses and health technology assessments.
Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted at a tertiary HNC center in India from July 2023 to June 2024. Adults with confirmed HNCs across 53 predefined health states were enrolled. A health state is a specific condition of overall well-being, represented by a utility value indicating how preferable it is compared with perfect health or death. Utility scores were derived from the EQ-5D-5L index using the Indian tariff set and the EQ-VAS. Utility variations across treatment phases, tumor subsites, stage, and comorbidity status were also examined.
Results
Of 767 recruited patients, 753 were included for analysis across 48 health states, excluding 5 health states with less sample size. The mean EQ-5D-5L utility was 0.84 (SD 0.20), significantly higher than EQ-VAS (mean 0.73, SD 0.18; P < .001). Utilities varied significantly across treatment phases (P < .001). Clinically, patients in active treatment and palliative recurrence had the poorest perceived health, whereas those in remission showed the highest utility, mirroring expected functional recovery patterns. EQ-5D-5L produced consistently higher utility values than EQ-VAS, reflecting differences between population-weighted and self-perceived health assessments.
Conclusions
To our knowledge, this is the first Indian data set of real-world health state utility values in HNC. These values provide essential inputs for economic evaluations and health technology assessments in oncology, supporting more accurate, locally relevant healthcare decision making in resource-limited settings.
目的:使用EuroQol 5维5级(EQ-5D-5L)和EuroQol视觉模拟量表(EQ-VAS)工具生成印度特定的头颈癌(HNCs)健康状态效用值,从而实现与环境相关的成本效用分析和卫生技术评估。方法:于2023年7月至2024年6月在印度三级HNC中心进行横断面研究。在53个预先确定的健康状态中,确认患有HNCs的成年人被纳入研究。健康状态是整体幸福的具体状况,用效用值表示,表明与完美健康或死亡相比,它有多可取。效用得分来自EQ-5D-5L指数,使用印度关税集和EQ-VAS。还研究了治疗阶段、肿瘤亚位、分期和合并症状态的效用变化。结果:在767名招募的患者中,753名患者被纳入48个健康状态的分析,排除了5个样本量较少的健康状态。EQ-5D-5L的平均效用为0.84 (SD 0.20),显著高于EQ-VAS(平均值0.73,SD 0.18; P < 0.001)。各个治疗阶段的效用差异显著(P < 0.001)。在临床上,接受积极治疗和姑息性复发的患者的健康状况最差,而缓解期患者的效用最高,反映了预期的功能恢复模式。EQ-5D-5L产生的效用值始终高于EQ-VAS,反映了人口加权和自我感知健康评估之间的差异。结论:据我们所知,这是印度第一个关于HNC中真实世界健康状态效用值的数据集。这些价值为肿瘤学的经济评估和卫生技术评估提供了必要的投入,支持在资源有限的情况下做出更准确、与当地相关的卫生保健决策。
{"title":"Estimation of Health Utility Values for Health States in Head and Neck Cancers Using Real-World Data","authors":"Krishnakumar Thankappan MCh , Shivali Kamath PharmD , Lakshmi Ravunniarth Menon MCh , Tejal Patel MCh , Deepak Balasubramanian MCh , Manu Raj DNB , Moni Abraham Kuriakose MD , Sujha Subramanian PhD , Subramania Iyer MCh","doi":"10.1016/j.vhri.2025.101576","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vhri.2025.101576","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>To generate India-specific health state utility values for head and neck cancers (HNCs) using EuroQol 5-Dimension 5-Level (EQ-5D-5L) and EuroQol Visual Analog Scale (EQ-VAS) instruments, enabling context-relevant cost-utility analyses and health technology assessments.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A cross-sectional study was conducted at a tertiary HNC center in India from July 2023 to June 2024. Adults with confirmed HNCs across 53 predefined health states were enrolled. A health state is a specific condition of overall well-being, represented by a utility value indicating how preferable it is compared with perfect health or death. Utility scores were derived from the EQ-5D-5L index using the Indian tariff set and the EQ-VAS. Utility variations across treatment phases, tumor subsites, stage, and comorbidity status were also examined.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Of 767 recruited patients, 753 were included for analysis across 48 health states, excluding 5 health states with less sample size. The mean EQ-5D-5L utility was 0.84 (SD 0.20), significantly higher than EQ-VAS (mean 0.73, SD 0.18; <em>P</em> < .001). Utilities varied significantly across treatment phases (<em>P</em> < .001). Clinically, patients in active treatment and palliative recurrence had the poorest perceived health, whereas those in remission showed the highest utility, mirroring expected functional recovery patterns. EQ-5D-5L produced consistently higher utility values than EQ-VAS, reflecting differences between population-weighted and self-perceived health assessments.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>To our knowledge, this is the first Indian data set of real-world health state utility values in HNC. These values provide essential inputs for economic evaluations and health technology assessments in oncology, supporting more accurate, locally relevant healthcare decision making in resource-limited settings.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23497,"journal":{"name":"Value in health regional issues","volume":"54 ","pages":"Article 101576"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-01-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145913188","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-01DOI: 10.1016/j.vhri.2025.101170
Dalmacito A. Cordero Jr. PhD
{"title":"Person-Centered Intervention for People Living With HIV in the Philippines: A Cost-Effective Approach for Resource Allocation Decisions","authors":"Dalmacito A. Cordero Jr. PhD","doi":"10.1016/j.vhri.2025.101170","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vhri.2025.101170","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":23497,"journal":{"name":"Value in health regional issues","volume":"51 ","pages":"Article 101170"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144795648","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-01DOI: 10.1016/j.vhri.2025.101150
Anita Lal PhD , Eliza Mudford MHECon , Jessica Elsworth BPHHP , Lisa Hochberg BHP , Lan Gao PhD
Objectives
To promote equity in breast cancer screening for culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities, language-specific initiatives were implemented in Victoria, Australia. This study aims to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of in-language short message service (SMS) reminders for overdue clients.
Methods
A cost-utility analysis was conducted to evaluate in-language SMS reminders for women aged between 50 and 72 years, overdue for their routine breast screen in 2021 (n = 3294), compared with English SMS. In-language SMS reminders to book a screen were sent to the women in the North Western and St Vincent’s BreastScreen Reading and Assessment regions in Melbourne, Victoria. A Markov microsimulation model simulated the development of breast cancer, estimating the cost per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) gained over a 50-year time horizon from a healthcare perspective. Healthcare costs were sourced from Australian studies and are in 2021 Australian dollars.
Results
Booking response rates were higher for the lapsed in-language SMS than the lapsed SMS sent in English (12.7% and 8.2%, respectively). Intervention costs averaged $1.24/person. The estimated cost/QALY was $1595 (95% uncertainty interval dominated to $7637). Because of the in-language initiative, there were an estimated 14 more breast cancers and 5 more ductal carcinomas in situ detected and 3 fewer breast cancer deaths.
Conclusions
In-language SMS reminders to increase breast cancer screening targeting lapsed screeners from CALD communities were effective and cost-effective relative to the willingness-to-pay threshold of $50 000/QALY. Introducing these types of initiatives as standard practice can potentially increase equity in breast cancer screening for CALD groups in well-resourced countries.
{"title":"Cost-Effectiveness of Text Messaging to Reengage Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Communities to Breast Cancer Screening: A Modeling Study","authors":"Anita Lal PhD , Eliza Mudford MHECon , Jessica Elsworth BPHHP , Lisa Hochberg BHP , Lan Gao PhD","doi":"10.1016/j.vhri.2025.101150","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vhri.2025.101150","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>To promote equity in breast cancer screening for culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities, language-specific initiatives were implemented in Victoria, Australia. This study aims to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of in-language short message service (SMS) reminders for overdue clients.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A cost-utility analysis was conducted to evaluate in-language SMS reminders for women aged between 50 and 72 years, overdue for their routine breast screen in 2021 (n = 3294), compared with English SMS. In-language SMS reminders to book a screen were sent to the women in the North Western and St Vincent’s BreastScreen Reading and Assessment regions in Melbourne, Victoria. A Markov microsimulation model simulated the development of breast cancer, estimating the cost per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) gained over a 50-year time horizon from a healthcare perspective. Healthcare costs were sourced from Australian studies and are in 2021 Australian dollars.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Booking response rates were higher for the lapsed in-language SMS than the lapsed SMS sent in English (12.7% and 8.2%, respectively). Intervention costs averaged $1.24/person. The estimated cost/QALY was $1595 (95% uncertainty interval dominated to $7637). Because of the in-language initiative, there were an estimated 14 more breast cancers and 5 more ductal carcinomas in situ detected and 3 fewer breast cancer deaths.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>In-language SMS reminders to increase breast cancer screening targeting lapsed screeners from CALD communities were effective and cost-effective relative to the willingness-to-pay threshold of $50 000/QALY. Introducing these types of initiatives as standard practice can potentially increase equity in breast cancer screening for CALD groups in well-resourced countries.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23497,"journal":{"name":"Value in health regional issues","volume":"51 ","pages":"Article 101150"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144650693","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-01DOI: 10.1016/j.vhri.2024.101065
Paula Rossignoli PhD , Roberto Pontarolo PhD , Fernando Fernandez-Llimos PhD
Objectives
This study aimed to evaluate the potential reduction in distance and travel time with a hypothetical municipal distribution of specialized component medicines in the state of Paraná.
Methods
This was a cross-sectional study. Distances and travel times from all the 1025 residential locations in the state of Paraná to dispensing pharmacies were calculated in 2 different models: centralized model with drugs dispensed in the 22 state-owned pharmacies and decentralized model with drugs dispensed in the 399 municipal pharmacies. Road routes were calculated using the Google Maps Distance Matrix API and Euclidean distance using the haversine formula for the southern hemisphere. A sinuosity index was computed by the quotient between these 2 distances. Differences were evaluated through bivariate analyses and effect size measures were reported.
Results
In the centralized model, the mean distance to the pharmacy was 59.5 km (SD 34.1), with a travel time of 1.0 hour (SD 0.5) and 579 residential locations (56.7%) more than 50 km away from the pharmacy, 286 (28.0%) between 25 and 50 km, and 156 (15.3%) less than 25 km. In the decentralized model, the mean distance was 10.8 km (SD 16.6), with a travel time of 0.2 hours (SD 0.3) and 14 locations (1.4%) more than 50 km away from the pharmacy, 96 (9.4%) between 25 and 50 km, and 911 (89.2%) less than 25 km. The decentralized model significantly reduced the sinuosity index.
Conclusions
Implementing a decentralized dispensing of the specialized component drugs in the state of Paraná would produce a significant reduction in distance and travel time for patients enhancing drug accessibility.
目的:本研究旨在评估潜在的距离和旅行时间的减少与一个假设的城市分布的专业成分药物在帕拉纳州。方法:采用横断面研究。采用集中式模式(22家国有药店)和分散式模式(399家市属药店)两种不同的模式计算从帕拉南州1025个居民点到调剂药店的距离和出行时间。道路路线计算使用谷歌地图距离矩阵API和欧几里得距离使用哈弗斯公式南半球。通过这两个距离之间的商计算出一个曲度指数。通过双变量分析和效应量测量来评估差异。结果:集中式模型中,居民到药店的平均距离为59.5 km (SD为34.1),出行时间为1.0 h (SD为0.5);579个居民点(56.7%)距离药店大于50 km, 286个居民点(28.0%)在25 ~ 50 km之间,156个居民点(15.3%)距离药店小于25 km。在分散式模型中,平均距离为10.8 km (SD为16.6),出行时间为0.2 h (SD为0.3),距离药店超过50 km的有14个(1.4%),距离25 ~ 50 km的有96个(9.4%),距离药店小于25 km的有911个(89.2%)。分散模型显著降低了弯曲度指数。结论:在帕拉纳州实施分散式专业成分药的配药,将大大减少患者的路程和出行时间,提高药品可及性。
{"title":"Reducing the Travel Burden for Patients to Access Specialized Medicines in Paraná, Brazil","authors":"Paula Rossignoli PhD , Roberto Pontarolo PhD , Fernando Fernandez-Llimos PhD","doi":"10.1016/j.vhri.2024.101065","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vhri.2024.101065","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>This study aimed to evaluate the potential reduction in distance and travel time with a hypothetical municipal distribution of specialized component medicines in the state of Paraná.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This was a cross-sectional study. Distances and travel times from all the 1025 residential locations in the state of Paraná to dispensing pharmacies were calculated in 2 different models: centralized model with drugs dispensed in the 22 state-owned pharmacies and decentralized model with drugs dispensed in the 399 municipal pharmacies. Road routes were calculated using the Google Maps Distance Matrix API and Euclidean distance using the haversine formula for the southern hemisphere. A sinuosity index was computed by the quotient between these 2 distances. Differences were evaluated through bivariate analyses and effect size measures were reported.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>In the centralized model, the mean distance to the pharmacy was 59.5 km (SD 34.1), with a travel time of 1.0 hour (SD 0.5) and 579 residential locations (56.7%) more than 50 km away from the pharmacy, 286 (28.0%) between 25 and 50 km, and 156 (15.3%) less than 25 km. In the decentralized model, the mean distance was 10.8 km (SD 16.6), with a travel time of 0.2 hours (SD 0.3) and 14 locations (1.4%) more than 50 km away from the pharmacy, 96 (9.4%) between 25 and 50 km, and 911 (89.2%) less than 25 km. The decentralized model significantly reduced the sinuosity index.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Implementing a decentralized dispensing of the specialized component drugs in the state of Paraná would produce a significant reduction in distance and travel time for patients enhancing drug accessibility.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23497,"journal":{"name":"Value in health regional issues","volume":"51 ","pages":"Article 101065"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142883095","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-01DOI: 10.1016/j.vhri.2025.101093
Ahmad Dehghani_Ahmadabad PhD, Sayyed Morteza Hosseini Shokouh PhD, Parisa Mehdizadeh PhD, Mohammad Meskarpour Amiri_Ara PhD
Objectives
Limited information is available on the extent of inequality in out-of-pocket (OOP) expenditures among patients with COVID-19 in Iran and the factors contributing to this disparity. This study aimed to examine the inequality in OOP expenditures among hospitalized patients with COVID-19 and identify the associated factors.
Methods
This study used the Gini coefficient as the primary measure of inequality in OOP expenditures among hospitalized patients with COVID-19. The analysis was conducted using Stata 16 software, supplemented by the Distributive Analysis Stata Package extension. The Gini coefficient was calculated to quantify the degree of inequality and was visualized using graphs. To examine the Gini coefficient across population subgroups, a Distributive Analysis Stata Package extension, the diginig module, was used.
Results
Analysis of the Lorenz curve and the calculated Gini coefficient (0.69) confirmed the presence of inequality in OOP expenditures among hospitalized patients with COVID-19. Additionally, examination of inequality across population subgroups revealed that insurance status and type, clinical characteristics, and temporal patterns of hospitalization significantly contributed to the observed disparities in OOP expenditures among patients with COVID-19.
Conclusions
This study highlights the enduring impact of insurance status, clinical characteristics, and temporal patterns of hospitalization on the financial burden. The findings emphasize the need for targeted interventions to reduce financial barriers and promote equitable access to care, thus offering important insights for managing future public health crises.
{"title":"Disparities in Out-of-Pocket Expenditures Among Hospitalized Patients With COVID-19 in Iran: A Decomposition Analysis of Inequality","authors":"Ahmad Dehghani_Ahmadabad PhD, Sayyed Morteza Hosseini Shokouh PhD, Parisa Mehdizadeh PhD, Mohammad Meskarpour Amiri_Ara PhD","doi":"10.1016/j.vhri.2025.101093","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vhri.2025.101093","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>Limited information is available on the extent of inequality in out-of-pocket (OOP) expenditures among patients with COVID-19 in Iran and the factors contributing to this disparity. This study aimed to examine the inequality in OOP expenditures among hospitalized patients with COVID-19 and identify the associated factors.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This study used the Gini coefficient as the primary measure of inequality in OOP expenditures among hospitalized patients with COVID-19. The analysis was conducted using Stata 16 software, supplemented by the Distributive Analysis Stata Package extension. The Gini coefficient was calculated to quantify the degree of inequality and was visualized using graphs. To examine the Gini coefficient across population subgroups, a Distributive Analysis Stata Package extension, the diginig module, was used.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Analysis of the Lorenz curve and the calculated Gini coefficient (0.69) confirmed the presence of inequality in OOP expenditures among hospitalized patients with COVID-19. Additionally, examination of inequality across population subgroups revealed that insurance status and type, clinical characteristics, and temporal patterns of hospitalization significantly contributed to the observed disparities in OOP expenditures among patients with COVID-19.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>This study highlights the enduring impact of insurance status, clinical characteristics, and temporal patterns of hospitalization on the financial burden. The findings emphasize the need for targeted interventions to reduce financial barriers and promote equitable access to care, thus offering important insights for managing future public health crises.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23497,"journal":{"name":"Value in health regional issues","volume":"51 ","pages":"Article 101093"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143543456","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}