Abstract
ObjectiveTo summarise evidence describing the cost-effectiveness of population-based interventions targeting sodium reduction.MethodsA systematic search of published and grey literature databases and websites was conducted using specified key words. Characteristics of identified economic evaluations were recorded, and included studies were appraised for reporting quality using the Consolidated Health Economic Evaluation Reporting Standards (CHEERS) checklist.ResultsTwenty studies met the study inclusion criteria and received a full paper review. Fourteen studies were identified as full economic evaluations in that they included both costs and benefits associated with an intervention measured against a comparator. Most studies were modelling exercises based on scenarios for achieving salt reduction and assumed effects on health outcomes. All 14 studies concluded that their specified intervention(s) targeting reductions in population sodium consumption were cost-effective, and in the majority of cases, were cost saving. Just over half the studies (8/14) were assessed as being of ‘excellent’ reporting quality, five studies fell into the ‘very good’ quality category and one into the ‘good’ category. All of the identified evaluations were based on modelling, whereby inputs for all the key parameters including the effect size were either drawn from published datasets, existing literature or based on expert advice.ConclusionDespite a clear increase in evaluations of salt reduction programs in recent years, this review identified relatively few economic evaluations of population salt reduction interventions. None of the studies were based on actual implementation of intervention(s) and the associated collection of new empirical data. The studies universally showed that population-based salt reduction strategies are likely to be cost effective or cost saving. However, given the reliance on modelling, there is a need for the effectiveness of new interventions to be evaluated in the field using strong study designs and parallel economic evaluations.
Highlights
IntroductionAs the non-communicable diseases (NCD) crisis becomes an urgent race against time [1], it is critical to understand the effectiveness of interventions designed to lower the risk factors associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD), which is the leading cause of deaths globally [2]
Fourteen studies were identified as full economic evaluations in that they included both costs and benefits associated with an intervention measured against a comparator
As the non-communicable diseases (NCD) crisis becomes an urgent race against time [1], it is critical to understand the effectiveness of interventions designed to lower the risk factors associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD), which is the leading cause of deaths globally [2]
Summary
As the non-communicable diseases (NCD) crisis becomes an urgent race against time [1], it is critical to understand the effectiveness of interventions designed to lower the risk factors associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD), which is the leading cause of deaths globally [2]. Recent data highlight blood pressure as a leading risk to health [3], and one of the main causes of elevated blood pressure is excess dietary sodium intake [4,5]. New Guidelines issued by the WHO in 2012 recommend that adults should consume less than 2000mg of sodium or 5 grams of salt per day [9]. This is significantly lower than the average intake in many countries such Samoa which averages 7.09 grams [10], Australia around 8 grams [11] and the United States 8.5 grams [12] per day. For many countries, reaching the sodium guideline of 5 grams per day would require a 50% reduction in daily salt intake from current levels
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
