Abstract
BackgroundObesity is an important risk factor for many chronic diseases. Mobile health interventions such as smartphone apps can potentially provide a convenient low-cost addition to other obesity reduction strategies.ObjectiveThis study aimed to estimate the impacts on quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) gained and health system costs over the remainder of the life span of the New Zealand population (N=4.4 million) for a smartphone app promotion intervention in 1 calendar year (2011) using currently available apps for weight loss.MethodsThe intervention was a national mass media promotion of selected smartphone apps for weight loss compared with no dedicated promotion. A multistate life table model including 14 body mass index–related diseases was used to estimate QALYs gained and health systems costs. A lifetime horizon, 3% discount rate, and health system perspective were used. The proportion of the target population receiving the intervention (1.36%) was calculated using the best evidence for the proportion who have access to smartphones, are likely to see the mass media campaign promoting the app, are likely to download a weight loss app, and are likely to continue using this app.ResultsIn the base-case model, the smartphone app promotion intervention generated 29 QALYs (95% uncertainty interval, UI: 14-52) and cost the health system US $1.6 million (95% UI: 1.1-2.0 million) with the standard download rate. Under plausible assumptions, QALYs increased to 59 (95% UI: 27-107) and costs decreased to US $1.2 million (95% UI: 0.5-1.8) when standard download rates were doubled. Costs per QALY gained were US $53,600 for the standard download rate and US $20,100 when download rates were doubled. On the basis of a threshold of US $30,000 per QALY, this intervention was cost-effective for Māori when the standard download rates were increased by 50% and also for the total population when download rates were doubled.ConclusionsIn this modeling study, the mass media promotion of a smartphone app for weight loss produced relatively small health gains on a population level and was of borderline cost-effectiveness for the total population. Nevertheless, the scope for this type of intervention may expand with increasing smartphone use, more easy-to-use and effective apps becoming available, and with recommendations to use such apps being integrated into dietary counseling by health workers.
Highlights
Obesity is an important risk factor for many chronic diseases that impact people’s quality of life and incur substantial health system costs
quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) gains increased to 45 (95% UI: 21-81) and 59 (95% UI: 27-107) when the proportion of the target population downloading the app was modified in plausible directions, that is, increased by 50% from the standard download rate and doubled, respectively
On the basis of a threshold of New Zealand dollars (NZ $)45,000 (US $30,000), this intervention would appear to be of borderline cost-effectiveness for the total population and cost-effective for Māori when standard download rates increased by 50%
Summary
Obesity is an important risk factor for many chronic diseases that impact people’s quality of life and incur substantial health system costs. MHealth tools can be accessed at people’s convenience, from their homes or using their phones on the go These interventions, have the potential to provide more regular information than face-to-face weight loss programs and may be an important low-cost addition to current obesity reduction strategies. Obesity is an important risk factor for many chronic diseases Mobile health interventions such as smartphone apps can potentially provide a convenient low-cost addition to other obesity reduction strategies. Conclusions: In this modeling study, the mass media promotion of a smartphone app for weight loss produced relatively small health gains on a population level and was of borderline cost-effectiveness for the total population. The scope for this type of intervention may expand with increasing smartphone use, more easy-to-use and effective apps becoming available, and with recommendations to use such apps being integrated into dietary counseling by health workers
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.
