Schizophrenia interventions in Vietnam: primary results from a cost-effectiveness study

Area of Science:

• Health Economics
• Psychiatry
• Public Health Policy

Background:

• Schizophrenia presents a significant economic burden due to its disabling nature.
• Effective and affordable interventions are crucial for managing schizophrenia, particularly in developing nations like Vietnam.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of pharmaceutical interventions and family intervention (FI) for schizophrenia.
• To identify the most economically viable treatment strategy for Vietnam from a governmental perspective.

Main Methods:

• A Markov model was utilized to simulate lifetime costs and health outcomes (disability-adjusted life years averted).
• Typical and atypical antipsychotic drugs, with and without family intervention, were compared against a 'do-nothing' scenario.
• Monte Carlo simulation was employed for comprehensive uncertainty analysis.

Main Results:

• Interventions combining typical or atypical antipsychotic drugs with family intervention demonstrated superior effectiveness and lower costs.
• Atypical antipsychotic drugs used as monotherapy were found to be less favorable due to significantly higher costs.
• The 'do-nothing' scenario resulted in the least favorable cost-effectiveness outcomes.

Conclusions:

• Combined pharmaceutical and family interventions represent the most cost-effective strategy for schizophrenia management in Vietnam.
• This study provides a foundational cost-effectiveness analysis for schizophrenia interventions in Vietnam.
• Further research is recommended to refine and confirm the optimal intervention strategy.