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Cost-effectiveness of a community-level HIV risk reduction intervention
S D Pinkerton1, D R Holtgrave, W J DiFranceisco
1Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee 53226, USA.
American Journal of Public Health
|August 14, 1998
Summary
Community HIV prevention using peer leaders is cost-saving, averting infections and reducing future medical costs. This HIV prevention strategy is highly cost-effective for gay men.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Health Economics
Background:
- HIV remains a significant public health concern, particularly among men who have sex with men.
- Community-level interventions are crucial for effective HIV prevention strategies.
- Peer-led initiatives leverage social networks to promote risk reduction behaviors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of a community-level HIV prevention intervention.
- To assess the economic impact of using peer leaders to promote risk reduction among gay men.
Main Methods:
- A mathematical model of HIV transmission was employed.
- The model translated reported behavioral changes into estimated HIV infections averted.
- Cost-effectiveness analysis was conducted based on intervention expenses and averted infections.
Main Results:
- The intervention cost $17,150.
- Approximately $65,000 was saved per HIV infection averted.
- The intervention was determined to be cost-saving under conservative assumptions.
Conclusions:
- The cost of HIV prevention was offset by savings in future medical care.
- Community-level HIV prevention interventions utilizing social networks are highly cost-effective.
- Peer-led risk reduction programs offer a viable and economically beneficial approach to HIV prevention.