Research Article

The Potential to Forgo Social Welfare Gains through Overreliance on Cost Effectiveness/Cost Utility Analyses in the Evidence Base for Public Health

Table 1

Selected studies from review [4] database.

AuthorYearTitleCountry of studyArea of StudyEvaluation methodNonhealth benefits measured

Aunan et al. [15]1998Health and environmental benefitsfrom air pollution reductions in HungaryHungaryPollution / ToxicityCCAAvoided damage to materials, crops and vegetation; climate change

Caulkins et al. [17]1999An ounce of prevention, a pound of uncertainty:The cost-effectiveness school-based drug prevention programsUSADrugs and alcoholMultitypeReduced crime rates; higher productivity; increase in numbers graduating high school

Cohen MA et al. [18]1998The monetary value of saving a high-risk youthUSAHealth Promotion Not classifiedReduced victim costs of crime; savings to criminal justice system

Fleming et al. [19]2000Benefit-cost analysis of briefphysician advice with problem drinkers in primary settingsUSADrugs and alcoholCCASavings in lost wages, transportation, legal events, motor vehicle accidents and crime

Guria et al. [20]1998An economic evaluation of incremental resources to road safety programmes in New ZealandNew ZealandDrugs/ AlcoholCBAReduced property damage

Aehyung et al. [21]1995Cost Benefit Analysis of theOnchocerciasis ProgramAfricaDisease and InfectionCCAAdditional agricultural output and freed land for productivity

Miller C.L et al. [16]2004The potential health and economicimpact of implementing a medicallyprescribed heroin program among Canadian injection drug usersCanadaDrugs and AlcoholMulti typeIncreased employment, reduction in criminal activity

Miller T.R et al. [22]1995Injury Prevention Counselling by Paediatricians: A Benefit- Cost Comparison.USAHealth PromotionCBASavings from professional services, rehabilitation, avoided productivity losses

Zeng-Sui et al. [23]1989Reduction of enteric infectiousdisease in rural China by providing deep-well waterChinaDisease and InfectionCCALost wages,

Ginsberg et al. [24]1994A cost- benefit analysis of legislation for bicycle safety helmets in IsraelIsraelInjury PreventionCBAIncreased productivity, savings in special education