Public investment in providing information for chronic disease prevention for adults in Alberta

The World Health Organization in 2000 cited specific chronic diseases (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, heart disease, diabetes and certain cancers) as major and preventable health hazards. There have subsequently been calls for increased investment in prevention activities. Currently there is no information on the economic magnitude of these promotion activities. In this study, we present an estimate of the investment in Alberta, by public organization, for chronic disease prevention activities which provide information that promotes behaviour changes in adults at risk.

We surveyed board members of the Alberta Healthy Living Network (AHLN) to obtain economic data and information on activities related to chronic disease (primary) prevention. We also asked for further contacts on programs in other agencies. We continued the ("snowball") process until no new agencies were identified. Agencies provided the information on a survey form.

In 2003 in Alberta, the cost of publicly provided information to change risk behaviours related to chronic diseases for persons over 20 was dollars 24.9 million. This investment was diffused over a large number of bodies. Anti-smoking programs used the largest proportion of the money. The total cost per person at risk was about dollars 15. Regional Health Authorities spend about 1/10th of 1% of their budget on these activities.

There are difficulties in collecting and organizing society-level data on chronic disease prevention. Nevertheless, all indications are that the amount of resources devoted in this area is small, and much smaller than has been suggested.