Pharmacological Treatments to Reduce Tobacco Addiction: Cost-Effectiveness Analysis

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Smoking is the most preventable cause of morbidity and mortality. In 2014 there were about 6 million tobacco-related deaths, and diseases and disabilities caused by its consumption. Among the different strategies to reduce tobacco consumption, there are drug treatments. Argentina has little information on their effectiveness and financing. OBJECTIVES: To determine the most cost-effective interventions to reduce tobacco consumption in Argentina. METHODS: A quantitative study was performed, using costeffectiveness analysis. The cost of treatments found in the National Smoking Cessation Guide were calculated, considering smoking population of 15 years or older without health coverage and with one attempt to quit smoking in the last 12 months using medication. Indicators of healthy life years were built, estimating the costs of medical healthcare for smokingrelated diseases. RESULTS: The investment in smoking cessation saves 779.5 million pesos in healthcare costs related to the selected diseases. For each peso invested in drug treatments, $26.4 are saved. CONCLUSIONS: The intervention focused on providing free drug treatment for smoking cessation proves to be cost-effective.