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Screening for spina bifida cystica. A cost-benefit analysis
British Journal of Preventive & Social Medicine
|March 1, 1976
Summary
Mass screening for spina bifida cystica in pregnancies may be economically viable. Cost-benefit analysis suggests screening is worthwhile only in high-incidence populations.
Area of Science:
- Medical Economics
- Public Health
- Prenatal Screening
Background:
- Spina bifida cystica is a severe congenital condition.
- Effective prenatal screening and diagnostic methods are crucial for managing fetal abnormalities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the economic feasibility of a mass-screening program for spina bifida cystica in pregnancies.
- To determine the cost-benefit ratio of implementing such a screening program.
Main Methods:
- Economic analysis using a benefit-cost index.
- Modeling the impact of varying input assumptions on the economic outcomes.
Main Results:
- A benefit-cost index was derived to assess the program's economic value.
- The economic viability is highly dependent on the incidence rates within the population.
Conclusions:
- Mass screening for spina bifida cystica may only be economically justified in populations with a high prevalence of the condition.
- Further economic evaluations are needed based on specific population data.