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. 2012:9:E140.
doi: 10.5888/pcd9.120074.

Cost-effectiveness analysis of a community health worker intervention for low-income Hispanic adults with diabetes

H Shelton Brown 3rd  1 , Kimberly J Wilson, José A Pagán, Christine M Arcari, Martha Martinez, Kirk Smith, Belinda Reininger
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Cost-effectiveness analysis of a community health worker intervention for low-income Hispanic adults with diabetes

H Shelton Brown 3rd et al. Prev Chronic Dis. 2012.

Abstract

Introduction: The objective of our study was to estimate the long-term cost-effectiveness of a lifestyle modification program led by community health workers (CHWs) for low-income Hispanic adults with type 2 diabetes.

Methods: We forecasted disease outcomes, quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) gained, and lifetime costs associated with attaining different hemoglobin A1c (A1c) levels. Outcomes were projected 20 years into the future and discounted at a 3.0% rate. Sensitivity analyses were conducted to assess the extent to which our results were dependent on assumptions related to program effectiveness, projected years, discount rates, and costs.

Results: The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of the intervention ranged from $10,995 to $33,319 per QALY gained when compared with usual care. The intervention was particularly cost-effective for adults with high glycemic levels (A1c > 9%). The results are robust to changes in multiple parameters.

Conclusion: The CHW program was cost-effective. This study adds to the evidence that culturally sensitive lifestyle modification programs to control diabetes can be a cost-effective way to improve health among Hispanics with diabetes, particularly among those with high A1c levels.

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