Abstract
Objectives: This study was aimed to analyze cost components and underlying methods of cost-of-illness (COI) studies on alcohol in Japan and overseas by international systematic review, to estimate direct and indirect costs attributable to alcohol in Japan with new data, and to estimate costs impacted by reduced drinking among high-risk drinkers in Japan. Methods: Relevant publications concerning COI studies on alcohol published during the years 2005-2014 were identified through PubMed and Embase. Google search was conducted to identify relevant studies based on references of other relevant publications. Japanese COI studies on alcohol were identified through Igaku-Chuo-Zasshi (Ichushi) database without limiting the publication year. Cost components and underlying methods were analyzed, and medical costs attributed to alcohol were calculated based on 2012 government data and alcohol-attributed fractions (AAFs), then costs impacted by reduced drinking in Japan were estimated. Results: Seven eligible studies on 7 countries including Japan met inclusion criteria. All the countries calculated direct and indirect costs associated with alcohol, while only 2 foreign countries further calculated intangible costs. Indirect and intangible costs were 2.5-4 times larger than direct costs in all countries. Medical care costs attributed to alcohol in Japan based on 2012 data and AAFs were 1.5 times higher than 25 years ago. Furthermore, decreased number of high-risk drinkers in Japan in achieving the second term goal of Health Japan 21 was estimated to save 363.1 billion yen per year. Conclusions: Despite methodological challenges of COI studies, it is still valuable to estimate direct and indirect costs attributable to alcohol in Japan, and related costs possibly saved by reduced drinking highlighted the importance of expanding brief interventions in a clinical setting in Japan.
Highlights
It is widely known that burden of diseases attributable to alcohol is substantial, despite low diagnosis and treatment rates in many countries
Annual costs likely to be impacted by reduced drinking were calculated by subtracting the newly incurred brief intervention costs from the total costs possibly saved by decreased direct and indirect costs associated with alcohol
The cost estimation based on the 2008 national survey data was reported in a section of White Paper on Alcohol [7], but the methodology was based on the study conducted by Nakamura et al [6], it was considered as a reference
Summary
It is widely known that burden of diseases attributable to alcohol is substantial, despite low diagnosis and treatment rates in many countries. Many alcohol dependent and alcohol use disorder patients including undiagnosed ‘high-risk drinkers’ (men: > 60 g/day and women: > 40 g/day according to the definition of World Health Organization) [1] highlight the need for better understanding of economic burdens for health policy-makers in Japan. COI studies provide information on specific cost impacts, often serving as a health economic evidence for decision-making and planning of various health care services. Lack of standard methodologies for COI studies make it difficult to conduct robust estimation of economic burdens associated with high-risk drinking in many countries. This study was aimed to analyze cost components and underlying methods of COI studies on alcohol in Japan and overseas by international systematic review, to estimate direct and indirect costs attributable to alcohol in Japan with new data, and to estimate costs impacted by reduced drinking among high-risk drinkers in Japan
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.
