Budget Impact Analysis of Olaparib for the Management of Patients with Homologous Recombination Repair (HRR)-Mutated Castration-Resistant Metastatic Prostate Cancer in Argentina.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to perform a budget impact analysis (BIA) of introducing olaparib treatment for adult patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer in Argentina. METHODS: A BIA model was used to estimate the cost difference between the current scenario (without olaparib) and the new scenario (incorporation of olaparib) for a third-party payer over a 5-year time horizon. The budgetary impact is estimated at the national health system level and by healthcare sectors in Argentina. Input parameters were obtained from the literature and validated by local expert opinion. Direct medical costs were obtained from both the Institute for Clinical Effectiveness and Health Policy (IECS) unit cost database and public data in Argentina. The microcosting estimation was used for key variables of the analysis. All costs are reported in US dollars (US$) as for October 2022 (1 US$ = 152.59 Argentine pesos). One-way sensitivity analyses and scenario analyses were conducted to evaluate the model robustness. RESULTS: The incorporation of olaparib, with a wholesale price per pack of US$3176, was associated with a weighted average of the budget impact per member per month (PMPM) of US$0.0191 for the national health system, being slightly higher than the estimated budgeted high impact threshold (US$0.0153). The PMPM budget impact for a 5-year average ranged between US$0.007 (public sector) and US$0.033 (private sector). The duration of treatment with olaparib was the most influential parameter in the budget impact results. CONCLUSIONS: The introduction of olaparib for the treatment of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer has a high budget impact for Argentina's health system. These findings are informative to support policy decisions aimed to expand the current treatment landscape for prostate cancer.

Childhood obesity and sugar-sweetened beverages in Río Negro: Burden of disease and expected impact of Law no. 27642 on the Promotion of Healthy Eating. / Obesidad infantil y bebidas azucaradas en Río Negro: carga de enfermedad e impacto esperado de la Ley 27642 de Promoción de la Alimentación Saludable.

Introduction. The highest levels of childhood overweight and obesity in Latin America correspond to Argentina; this condition increases the risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, and other conditions in adulthood. More than 25% of childhood and adolescent obesity are attributable to the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs). Our objective was to assess the disease and financial burden of SSB consumption among children and adolescents in Río Negro, the morbidity and mortality in adulthood, and the impact of reducing sugar consumption via the implementation of Law no. 27642 on the Promotion of Healthy Eating. Population and methods. We used a mathematical simulation model with a comparative risk assessment approach in the Río Negro population aged 0 to 17 years. The burden of obesity attributable to SSB consumption in the short and long term and direct medical costs were assessed. Results. The average consumption of SSBs was 348 mL/day; the prevalence of overweight and obesity was 16.6% and 11.6%, respectively. There were over 6600 cases of overweight in children and adolescents; while in adulthood, there were over 17 500 cases of overweight, 34 deaths attributable to SSBs, 3200 cases of diabetes, and over 4230 other health events. Direct medical costs were estimated at ARS 250 000 000 attributable to SSB consumption. Conclusion. The implementation of a comprehensive policy as established by Law no. 27642 on the Promotion of Healthy Eating in Río Negro would decrease 24% of overweight cases, morbidity, mortality, and associated medical costs.

Introducción. Los mayores valores de sobrepeso y obesidad infantil de Latinoamérica corresponden a Argentina, condición que incrementa el riesgo de obesidad en la adultez, diabetes tipo 2, enfermedades cardiovasculares, cerebrovasculares y otras. Más del 25 % de los casos de obesidad infantojuvenil pueden atribuirse al consumo de bebidas azucaradas (BA). El objetivo fue evaluar la carga de enfermedad y la económica del consumo de BA en niños y adolescentes rionegrinos; morbimortalidad en la adultez e impacto de lograr una reducción del consumo de azúcares con la implementación de la Ley 27642 de Promoción de la Alimentación Saludable. Población y métodos. Se utilizó un modelo de simulación matemática con enfoque de evaluación de riesgo comparativo en la población rionegrina de 0 a 17 años. Se evaluó la carga de obesidad atribuible al consumo de BA a corto y largo plazo, y los costos médicos directos. Resultados. El consumo promedio de BA fue de 348 ml/día y la prevalencia de sobrepeso y obesidad fueron del 16,6 % y el 11,6 %, respectivamente. Se estimaron más de 6600 casos de exceso de peso en niños y adolescentes; y, en la adultez, más de 17 500 casos de exceso de peso, 34 muertes atribuibles a BA, 3200 casos de diabetes y más de 4230 en otros eventos de salud. Se calcularon costos médicos directos por $ 250 000 000 atribuibles al consumo de BA. Conclusión. La implementación de una política integral como establece la Ley 27642 de Promoción de la Alimentación Saludable en Río Negro disminuiría el 24 % de los casos de exceso de peso, la morbimortalidad y los costos médicos asociados.

Budget Impact Analysis of Olaparib in Combination with Bevacizumab for Maintenance Therapy for Ovarian Cancer in Argentina.

OBJECTIVES: To perform a budget impact analysis (BIA) of introducing olaparib as maintenance therapy in women who have BRCA mutations (BRCAm) with platinum-sensitive recurrent ovarian cancer (PSROC) in combination with bevacizumab in Argentina. METHODS: A BIA model was used to analyse over a 5-year time horizon the change in the health system's budget following the adoption of olaparib as maintenance therapy in BRCAm patients with PSROC. The BIA for each year was estimated by comparing the cost difference between the current scenario (treatment with bevacizumab) and the new scenario (the addition of olaparib) for a third-party payer. The BIA is estimated at the national health system level, and by healthcare sectors in Argentina (public sector, social security and private sector). International and national epidemiological data were used to determine the target patient population. Clinical efficacy, safety outcomes and duration of treatments were obtained from the pivotal clinical study report. Relevant direct medical costs were obtained from public data in Argentina and expert consultation. All the costs are reported in US dollars as of October 2022 ($1 = 152.59 Argentine pesos). A scenario analysis assessed the full coverage of the homologous recombination deficiency (HRD) test in Argentina. In addition, one-way sensitivity analysis was conducted to evaluate the model robustness. RESULTS: For a third-party payer with a cohort of 1,000,000 women covered, the estimated target population was 2 individuals in year 1 and 6 individuals in year 5. The incorporation of olaparib, with a wholesale price per pack of $3176.32, was associated with a weighted average of the budget impact per member per month (PMPM) of $0.062 for the national health system, being above the estimated health system budget impact threshold ($0.0153). By healthcare sector, the results of budget impact PMPM for year 5 ranged between $0.08 (public sector) and $0.114 (private sector). For all perspectives, the variables that most influenced the budget impact was the incidence of ovarian cancer, the drug acquisition cost and the treatment duration. CONCLUSIONS: The introduction of olaparib for the treatment of BRCAm women with PSROC has a high budget impact for all three health systems in Argentina.

Pediatric COVID-19 in Argentina: a comprehensive analysis of disease and economic burden through official data and a systematic literature review.

Background: Limited data are available on the clinical impact and economic burden of COVID-19 in the pediatric population in Argentina. We aimed to estimate the disease and economic burden of COVID-19 on children and adolescents. Methods: We analyzed official national databases and conducted a supplemental systematic review of the published literature with meta-analysis in children aged 0-18. The period of interest was from March 2020 to August 2021, before the introduction of vaccination in this age group as a national strategic plan. In addition, we used a cost of illness analysis to estimate the direct medical costs associated with COVID-19. All costs are reported in US dollars 2023. Results: A total of 450,503 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 180 multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C) were reported in Argentina in the study period. Fourteen observational clinical studies were identified. The meta-analyses of severity level from hospital patients showed that according to different studies 15%-28% of cases were asymptomatic, 68%-88% were mild or moderate, and 3%-10% were severe or critical. About 28% of children had an underlying disease. In addition, the estimated economic burden associated with COVID-19 was 80 million dollars and 4 million dollars corresponded to MISC. Conclusion: Significant impact of COVID-19 on the healthcare system and substantial economic implications for the pediatric population in Argentina were identified. The findings should help policymakers to make informed decisions and allocate resources effectively.

Budget impact analysis of venetoclax for the management of acute myeloid leukemia from the perspective of the social security and the private sector in Argentina.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to estimate the budget impact of the incorporation of venetoclax for the treatment of patients with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) over 75 years of age or those with comorbidities and contraindications for the use of intensive chemotherapy, from the perspective of the social security and the private third-party payers in Argentina. METHODS: A budget impact model was adapted to estimate the cost difference between the current scenario (azacitidine, decitabine and low doses of cytarabine) and the new scenario (incorporation of venetoclax) for a third-party payer over a time horizon of three years. Input parameters were obtained from a literature review, validated or complemented by expert opinion using a modified Panel Delphi approach. All direct medical costs were estimated by the micro-costing approach and were expressed in US dollars (USD) as of September 2020 (1 USD = 76.18 Argentine pesos). RESULTS: For a third-party payer with a cohort of 1,000,000 individuals covered, incorporating venetoclax was associated with an average budget impact per-member per-month (PMPM) of $0.11 USD for the social security sector and $0.07 USD for the private sector. The duration of treatment with venetoclax was the most influential parameter in the budget impact results. CONCLUSION: The introduction of venetoclax was associated with a positive and slight budget impact. These findings are informative to support policy decisions aimed to expand the current treatment landscape of AML.

Health and economic burden of sugar-sweetened beverages consumption in Brazil.

Sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) are a major source of added sugar and are associated with noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) such as obesity and diabetes. This study assessed the impact of SSBs consumption on disease burden in Brazil, including deaths, disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), and healthcare costs. A 3-stage methodology was used to assess the direct effects of SSBs on diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and body mass index (BMI), along with the influence of BMI on disease incidence. These assessments were then used to estimate the economic and health burden using population-attributable factors. Results showed that 2.7% and 11% of adult and children overweight/obesity cases were attributable to SSBs, respectively. SSBs consumption in Brazil led to 1,814,486 cases, 12,942 deaths, 362,088 DALYs, and USD 2,915.91 million in medical costs related to diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, oncological diseases, and other NCDs. Urgent implementation of public policies is crucial to address the consumption of SSBs, recognized as a key risk factor for NCDs.

The health, economic and social burden of smoking in Argentina, and the impact of increasing tobacco taxes in a context of illicit trade.

Tobacco tax increases, the most cost-effective measure in reducing consumption, remain underutilized in low and middle-income countries. This study estimates the health and economic burden of smoking in Argentina and forecasts the benefits of tobacco tax hikes, accounting for the potential effects of illicit trade. Using a probabilistic Markov microsimulation model, this study quantifies smoking-related deaths, health events, and societal costs. The model also estimates the health and economic benefits of different increases in the price of cigarettes through taxes. Annually, smoking causes 45,000 deaths and 221,000 health events in Argentina, costing USD 2782 million in direct medical expenses, USD 1470 million in labor productivity loss costs, and USD 1069 million in informal care costs-totaling 1.2% of the national gross domestic product. Even in a scenario that considers illicit trade of tobacco products, a 50% cigarette price increase through taxes could yield USD 8292 million in total economic benefits accumulated over a decade. Consequently, raising tobacco taxes could significantly reduce the health and economic burdens of smoking in Argentina while increasing fiscal revenue.

Estimating the Effectiveness of Health Warnings on Cigarette Packaging in Nigeria: A Modeling Study.

INTRODUCTION: Tobacco consumption is associated with nearly 30 000 deaths annually in Nigeria alongside other adverse health and economic effects. Our objective was to estimate the health and economic implications of the current cigarette labeling policies (text-only HWs); new health warnings policies in the country (adding graphic health warnings with up to 60% coverage), and plain packaging policy as recommended by the World Health Organization. AIMS AND METHODS: We used a probabilistic state-transition individual microsimulation model, considering natural history, healthcare costs, and quality-of-life losses associated with main tobacco-attributable diseases; and the potential effects of packaging and labeling policies. We used three scenarios: (1) text-only health warnings (HWs) covering 50% of the pack, (2) introduction of graphic HWs of 50% (and later increasing to 80%) of the pack, and (3) plain packaging with HWs covering 80% of the pack. RESULTS: A total of 748 deaths are averted in the current situation; 7478 and 14 208 deaths can be averted with the new policy and with plain packaging, respectively. The number of cardiac, cerebrovascular, and cancer events that could be averted by adopting text and graphic HWs are 3093, 5093, and 1346, respectively; increasing to 5876, 9676, and 2557, respectively, with plain packaging. Up to 251 794 years were lost because of early deaths and disability, and ₦144.6 billion (USD 469 million) in health costs could be saved with HWs covering 50% to 80% of the pack over 10 years. With plain packaging and graphic HWs covering 80% of the package 478,408 years and ₦274.7 billion (USD 895 million) would be saved. CONCLUSIONS: The new cigarette labeling policy in Nigeria may yield significant health and economic benefits over 10 years. Moving the current policy to plain packaging can significantly improve these benefits. IMPLICATIONS: The new cigarette labeling policy that Nigeria is implementing should aim to achieve 100% compliance with its current regulation and the logical next step: Plain packaging with large warnings. The present study adds evidence of the potential health effects and cost savings of these levels of implementation, which is valuable for local policymakers.

[Burden of disease and economic burden attributable to the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages in El SalvadorCarga de morbidade e econômica atribuível ao consumo de bebidas açucaradas em El Salvador]. / Carga de enfermedad y económica atribuible al consumo de bebidas azucaradas en El Salvador.

Objective: To estimate the burden of disease and economic burden attributable to the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages in El Salvador. Methods: A comparative risk model was used to estimate the effects on deaths, health events, disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), and direct medical costs attributable to the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages. Results: A total of 520 deaths (8 per 100 000 individuals), 214 082 health events (3 220 per 100 000 individuals) and 16 643 DALYs could be attributable to the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages in El Salvador, representing US$69.35 million in direct medical costs for the year 2020. In particular, type 2 diabetes (T2DM) events attributable to the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages could represent more than 20% of total T2DM cases in the country. Conclusion: A high number of deaths, events, and costs could be attributed to the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages in El Salvador.

Objetivo: Estimar a carga de morbidade e econômica atribuível ao consumo de bebidas açucaradas em El Salvador. Métodos: Foi utilizado um modelo de risco comparativo para estimar os efeitos sobre óbitos, eventos de saúde, anos perdidos devido a morte prematura ou vividos com incapacidade (AVAI) e custos médicos diretos atribuíveis ao consumo de bebidas açucaradas. Resultados: Um total de 520 mortes (8 por 100 00 indivíduos), 214 082 eventos de saúde (3 220 por 100 000 indivíduos) e 16 643 AVAI podem ser atribuídos ao consumo de bebidas açucaradas em El Salvador, o que representa US$ 69,35 milhões em custos médicos diretos para o ano de 2020. Os eventos de diabetes mellitus tipo 2 (DM2) atribuíveis ao consumo de bebidas açucaradas, em especial, podem representar mais de 20% do total de casos de DM2 no país. Conclusões: Um número elevado de mortes, eventos de saúde e custos pode ser atribuído ao consumo de bebidas açucaradas em El Salvador.

Health, economic and social burden of tobacco in Latin America and the expected gains of fully implementing taxes, plain packaging, advertising bans and smoke-free environments control measures: a modelling study.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the tobacco-attributable burden on disease, medical costs, productivity losses and informal caregiving; and to estimate the health and economic gains that can be achieved if the main tobacco control measures (raising taxes on tobacco, plain packaging, advertising bans and smoke-free environments) are fully implemented in eight countries that encompass 80% of the Latin American population. DESIGN: Markov probabilistic microsimulation economic model of the natural history, costs and quality of life associated with the main tobacco-related diseases. Model inputs and data on labour productivity, informal caregivers' burden and interventions' effectiveness were obtained through literature review, surveys, civil registrations, vital statistics and hospital databases. Epidemiological and economic data from January to October 2020 were used to populate the model. FINDINGS: In these eight countries, smoking is responsible each year for 351 000 deaths, 2.25 million disease events, 12.2 million healthy years of life lost, US$22.8 billion in direct medical costs, US$16.2 billion in lost productivity and US$10.8 billion in caregiver costs. These economic losses represent 1.4% of countries' aggregated gross domestic products. The full implementation and enforcement of the four strategies: taxes, plain packaging, advertising bans and smoke-free environments would avert 271 000, 78 000, 71 000 and 39 000 deaths, respectively, in the next 10 years, and result in US$63.8, US$12.3, US$11.4 and US$5.7 billions in economic gains, respectively, on top of the benefits being achieved today by the current level of implementation of these measures. CONCLUSIONS: Smoking represents a substantial burden in Latin America. The full implementation of tobacco control measures could successfully avert deaths and disability, reduce healthcare spending and caregiver and productivity losses, likely resulting in large net economic benefits.

Impact of policies restricting advertising, promotion and sponsorship of sugar-sweetened beverages. Systematic Review / Impacto de las políticas de restricción de publicidad, promoción y patrocinio de bebidas azucaradas. Revisión Sistemática

Objective.  To assess the impact of the implementation of a ban on advertising, promotion and sponsorship (PPP) of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) in terms of reducing consumption, advertising exposure and relevant clinical outcomes. Material and methods A systematic review of studies published between 2001 and 2021 was conducted using the in PubMed, Embase and LILACS databases. Experimental, observational studies and economic models written in English, Portuguese or Spanish were included. Results. Sixteen studies out of 840 identified were selected. Due to outcomes heterogeneity, a meta-analysis was not possible. The interventions included comprehensive policies, general SSBs PPP restriction policies,TV advertising, promotional, point-of-sale, and school restrictions. Clinical outcomes (such as obesity, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer), economic outcomes (such as purchase, sale, cost-effectiveness, and other economic outcomes), changes in exposure, consumption, and other measures of effectiveness were assessed. Most effect measures showed decreases following the interventions. Conclusions. Policies that include PPP restrictions on SSBs can be effective in reducing consumption, especially among children and adolescents, and have a positive impact on their health.

Objetivo.  Evaluar el impacto de la implementación de la prohibición de la publicidad, promoción y patrocinio (PPP) de las bebidas azucaradas (BA) en términos de disminución de consumo, exposición publicitaria y desenlaces clínicos relevantes. Material y métodos. Revisión sistemática de estudios publicados entre 2001-2021 en bases de datos PubMed, Embase y LILACS escritos en inglés, portugués o español. Se incluyeron estudios experimentales, observacionales y modelos económicos. Resultados. Se seleccionaron 16 de 840 estudios identificados. Debido a la heterogeneidad en los desenlaces no fue posible realizar un meta-análisis. Las intervenciones incluidas correspondieron a una política integral, medidas generales de restricción de PPP de BA, restricciones de publicidad televisiva, de promociones, en punto de venta y en escuelas. Se hallaron desenlaces clínicos (obesidad, enfermedad cardiovascular, diabetes, cáncer), económicos (compra, venta, costo-efectividad, otros desenlaces económicos), cambios en la exposición, en el consumo y en otras medidas de efectividad.  La mayoría de las medidas de efecto evaluadas registraron disminuciones a partir de las intervenciones. Conclusiones. Las políticas que incluyen una restricción de la PPP de las BA resultarían efectivas, sobre todo para disminuir su consumo en NNyA, impactando positivamente en su salud.

Carga de enfermedad y económica atribuible al consumo de bebidas azucaradas en El Salvador

[RESUMEN]. Objetivo. Estimar la carga de enfermedad y económica atribuible al consumo de bebidas azucaradas en El Salvador. Métodos. Se utilizó un modelo de riesgos comparativos para estimar los efectos en muertes, eventos de salud, años perdidos por muerte prematura y discapacidad (AVAD), y costos médicos directos atribuibles al consumo de bebidas azucaradas. Resultados. Un total de 520 muertes (8 cada 100 000 individuos), 214 082 eventos en salud (3 220 cada 100 000 individuos) y 16 643 AVAD podrían ser atribuibles al consumo de bebidas azucaradas en El Salvador, lo que representa $69,35 millones (dólar americano) en costos médicos directos para el año 2020. En particular, los eventos de diabetes tipo 2 (DBT2) atribuibles al consumo de bebidas azucaradas podrían llegar a representar más del 20% del total de casos de DBT2 para el país. Conclusión. Un elevado número de muertes, eventos y costos podrían atribuirse al consumo de bebidas azucaradas en El Salvador.

[ABSTRACT]. Objective. To estimate the burden of disease and economic burden attributable to the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages in El Salvador. Methods. A comparative risk model was used to estimate the effects on deaths, health events, disabili- ty-adjusted life years (DALYs), and direct medical costs attributable to the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages. Results. A total of 520 deaths (8 per 100 000 individuals), 214 082 health events (3 220 per 100 000 indi- viduals) and 16 643 DALYs could be attributable to the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages in El Salvador, representing US$69.35 million in direct medical costs for the year 2020. In particular, type 2 diabetes (T2DM) events attributable to the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages could represent more than 20% of total T2DM cases in the country. Conclusion. A high number of deaths, events, and costs could be attributed to the consumption of sugar-swee- tened beverages in El Salvador.

[RESUMO]. Objetivo. Estimar a carga de morbidade e econômica atribuível ao consumo de bebidas açucaradas em El Salvador. Métodos. Foi utilizado um modelo de risco comparativo para estimar os efeitos sobre óbitos, eventos de saúde, anos perdidos devido a morte prematura ou vividos com incapacidade (AVAI) e custos médicos dire- tos atribuíveis ao consumo de bebidas açucaradas. Resultados. Um total de 520 mortes (8 por 100 00 indivíduos), 214 082 eventos de saúde (3 220 por 100 000 indivíduos) e 16 643 AVAI podem ser atribuídos ao consumo de bebidas açucaradas em El Salvador, o que representa US$ 69,35 milhões em custos médicos diretos para o ano de 2020. Os eventos de diabetes melli- tus tipo 2 (DM2) atribuíveis ao consumo de bebidas açucaradas, em especial, podem representar mais de 20% do total de casos de DM2 no país. Conclusões. Um número elevado de mortes, eventos de saúde e custos pode ser atribuído ao consumo de bebidas açucaradas em El Salvador.

Acceptability and continuation of use of the subdermal contraceptive implant among adolescents and young women in Argentina: a retrospective cohort study.

A new public policy was instituted in Argentina for free distribution of subdermal contraceptive implants to women aged 15-24 years old in the public healthcare system. The objective of this study is to determine the extent to which this population adhered to the implant, as well as predictors of continuation. The retrospective cohort study was based on a telephone survey of a random sample of 1101 Ministry of Health-registered implant users concerning the continuation of use, satisfaction with the method and side-effects, and reasons for removal. Descriptive statistics and multivariate regression analysis were used to explore the association between adherence and having received contraceptive counselling, satisfaction, and side effects. We found high levels of adherence (87%) and satisfaction (94%). Common reported side effects were amenorrhoea or infrequent bleeding, perceived weight gain, increased menstrual bleeding and headaches. Multivariate regression analysis indicates that, among adolescents, having received contraceptive counselling increased comfort, while frequent bleeding at six months hindered trust. Participants who had a history of a prior delivery or who had themselves primarily chosen the method were less likely to request the removal of the implant. Our results support the public policy of free implant distribution in the public health sector. This is a sustainable public policy that contributes to equity and access to effective contraception. It is appropriate for adolescents and young women and will also reduce unintended pregnancies. Our results suggest that counselling patients is key prior to insertion of the implant, as it improves acceptability and continuation.

Health and economic burden of disease of sugar-sweetened beverage consumption in four Latin American and Caribbean countries: a modelling study.

OBJECTIVE: Overweight and obesity are important contributors to the non-communicable disease burden. The consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) has been associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), cardiovascular disease, cancer and other conditions. The objective of this study was to estimate the burden of disease attributable to the consumption of SSBs and the costs to the healthcare systems in Argentina, Brazil, El Salvador, and Trinidad and Tobago. DESIGN: Following a systematic review of models, a comparative risk assessment framework was developed to estimate the health and economic impact associated with the consumption of SSBs. SETTING: Argentina, Brazil, El Salvador, and Trinidad and Tobago. PARTICIPANTS: Overall population. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES: The model estimated the effects of SSB consumption on health through two causal pathways: one mediated by body mass index (BMI) and health conditions associated with BMI and another that reflected the independent effects of SSB consumption on T2DM and cardiovascular diseases. RESULTS: The model results indicated that for all four countries, in 1 year, SSB consumption was associated with 18 000 deaths (3.2% of the total disease-related deaths), seven million disease events (3.3% of the total disease-related events), a half-million DALYs and US$2 billion in direct medical costs. This included 1.5 million cases of overweight and obesity in children/adolescents (12% of the excess weight cases) and 2.8 million cases in adults (2.8%); 2.2 million cases of type 2 diabetes (19%); 200 000 cases of heart disease (3.8%); 124 000 strokes (3.9%); 116 000 cases of musculoskeletal disease (0.2%); 102 000 cases of kidney disease (0.9%); and 45 000 episodes of asthma (0.4%). The Trinidad and Tobago population were the most affected by disease events. CONCLUSIONS: The study results indicate that the consumption of SSBs is associated with a significant burden of disease and death in Latin America and the Caribbean.

The burden of disease and economic impact of sugar-sweetened beverages' consumption in Argentina: A modeling study.

BACKGROUND: Approximately two-thirds of Argentine adults are overweight or obese, and 11% have diabetes. Over the last two decades, all population groups have increased their consumption of ultra-processed foods and sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB). We aimed to estimate the disease burden-deaths, events, and costs to the health system-attributed to SSB consumption in Argentina. METHODS: We used a comparative risk assessment framework to estimate the health and economic impacts that would be avoided in a scenario without sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) consumption. We calculated the direct effects on diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and BMI, and then estimated the effects of BMI on disease incidence. Finally, we applied the population attributable factor to calculate the health and economic burden avoided in Argentina in 2020. RESULTS: Our model estimated that about 4,425 deaths, 110,000 healthy life years lost to premature death and disability, more than 520,000 cases of overweight and obesity in adults, and 774,000 in children and adolescents would be attributed to SSB Consumption in Argentina. This disease burden corresponds to 23% of type-2 diabetes cases and other significant proportions of cardiovascular disease and cancer. The overweight and obesity costs attributable to SSB totaled approximately $47 million in adults and $15 million in children and adolescents. CONCLUSION: A significant number of disease cases, deaths, and health care costs could be attributed to SSB consumption in Argentina. Implementing measures to reduce the sugar content in beverages is a pending debt for the country and could lead to measurable improvements in population health, especially among children and adolescents.

Making visible the cost of informal caregivers' time in Latin America: a case study for major cardiovascular, cancer and respiratory diseases in eight countries.

BACKGROUND: Informal care is a key element of health care and well-being for society, yet it is scarcely visible and rarely studied in health economic evaluations. This study aims to estimate the time use and cost associated with informal care for cardiovascular diseases, pneumonia and ten different cancers in eight Latin American countries (Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Mexico and Peru). METHODS: We carried out an exhaustive literature review on informal caregivers' time use, focusing on the selected diseases. We developed a survey for professional caregivers and conducted expert interviews to validate this data in the local context. We used an indirect estimate through the interpolation of the available data, for those cases in which we do not found reliable information. We used the proxy good method to estimate the monetary value of the use of time of informal care. National household surveys databases were processed to obtain the average wage per hour of a proxy of informal caregiver. Estimates were expressed in 2020 US dollars. RESULTS: The study estimated approximately 1,900 million hours of informal care annually and $ 4,300 million per year in average informal care time cost for these fifteen diseases and eight countries analyzed. Cardiovascular diseases accounted for an informal care burden that ranged from 374 to 555 h per year, while cancers varied from 512 to 1,825 h per year. The informal care time cost share on GDP varied from 0.26% (Mexico) to 1.38% (Brazil), with an average of 0.82% in the studied American countries. Informal care time cost represents between 16 and 44% of the total economic cost (direct medical and informal care cost) associated with health conditions. CONCLUSIONS: The study shows that there is a significant informal care economic burden -frequently overlooked- in different chronic and acute diseases in Latin American countries; and highlights the relevance of including the economic value of informal care in economic evaluations of healthcare.

Exploring gender disparities in the disease and economic tobacco-attributable burden in Latin America.

Introduction: Tobacco use has significant health consequences in Latin America, and while studies have examined the overall impact, the gender-specific effects have not been thoroughly researched. Understanding these differences is crucial for effective tobacco control policies. The objective of this study was to explore the differences in tobacco-attributable disease and economic burden between men and women in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Mexico, and Peru. Methods: We used a previously validated economic model to quantify the impact of tobacco-related illnesses, including morbidity, mortality, healthcare costs, productivity losses, informal care expenses, and DALYs, by gender and age. We utilized data from national surveys, records, studies, and expert opinions to populate the model. Results: In 2020, there were 351,000 smoking-attributable deaths. Men accounted for 69% and women 31%. Ecuador and Mexico had the highest male-to-female death ratio, while Peru and Chile had the smallest disparities. 2.3 million tobacco-related disease events occurred, with 65% in men and 35% in women. Ecuador and Mexico had higher disease rates among men, while Peru had a more balanced ratio. Regarding DALYs, men lost 6.3 million due to tobacco, while women lost 3.3 million, primarily from COPD, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. Brazil and Mexico had the highest DALY losses for both genders. Costa Rica had a lower male-to-female tobacco use prevalence ratio but ranked second in deaths, disease events, and DALYs attributed to tobacco. Colombia had a unique pattern with a male-to-female death ratio of 2.08 but a higher ratio for disease events. The health systems spent $22.8 billion to treat tobacco-attributable diseases, with a male-to-female cost ratio 2.15. Ecuador showed the greatest gender cost difference, while Peru had the lowest. Productivity loss due to tobacco was $16.2 billion, with Ecuador and Mexico exhibiting the highest gender disparities and Peru the lowest. Informal care costs amounted to $10.8 billion, with men incurring higher costs in Ecuador, Costa Rica, and Mexico. Discussion: Tobacco causes significant health and economic burdens in Latin America, with gender-based differences. There is a need for gender-disaggregated data to improve tobacco control policies.

Carga de enfermedad y económica atribuible al consumo de bebidas azucaradas en El Salvador / Burden of disease and economic burden attributable to the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages in El Salvador / Carga de morbidade e econômica atribuível ao consumo de bebidas açucaradas em El Salvador

RESUMEN Objetivo. Estimar la carga de enfermedad y económica atribuible al consumo de bebidas azucaradas en El Salvador. Métodos. Se utilizó un modelo de riesgos comparativos para estimar los efectos en muertes, eventos de salud, años perdidos por muerte prematura y discapacidad (AVAD), y costos médicos directos atribuibles al consumo de bebidas azucaradas. Resultados. Un total de 520 muertes (8 cada 100 000 individuos), 214 082 eventos en salud (3 220 cada 100 000 individuos) y 16 643 AVAD podrían ser atribuibles al consumo de bebidas azucaradas en El Salvador, lo que representa $69,35 millones (dólar americano) en costos médicos directos para el año 2020. En particular, los eventos de diabetes tipo 2 (DBT2) atribuibles al consumo de bebidas azucaradas podrían llegar a representar más del 20% del total de casos de DBT2 para el país. Conclusión. Un elevado número de muertes, eventos y costos podrían atribuirse al consumo de bebidas azucaradas en El Salvador.

ABSTRACT Objective. To estimate the burden of disease and economic burden attributable to the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages in El Salvador. Methods. A comparative risk model was used to estimate the effects on deaths, health events, disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), and direct medical costs attributable to the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages. Results. A total of 520 deaths (8 per 100 000 individuals), 214 082 health events (3 220 per 100 000 individuals) and 16 643 DALYs could be attributable to the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages in El Salvador, representing US$69.35 million in direct medical costs for the year 2020. In particular, type 2 diabetes (T2DM) events attributable to the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages could represent more than 20% of total T2DM cases in the country. Conclusion. A high number of deaths, events, and costs could be attributed to the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages in El Salvador.

RESUMO Objetivo. Estimar a carga de morbidade e econômica atribuível ao consumo de bebidas açucaradas em El Salvador. Métodos. Foi utilizado um modelo de risco comparativo para estimar os efeitos sobre óbitos, eventos de saúde, anos perdidos devido a morte prematura ou vividos com incapacidade (AVAI) e custos médicos diretos atribuíveis ao consumo de bebidas açucaradas. Resultados. Um total de 520 mortes (8 por 100 00 indivíduos), 214 082 eventos de saúde (3 220 por 100 000 indivíduos) e 16 643 AVAI podem ser atribuídos ao consumo de bebidas açucaradas em El Salvador, o que representa US$ 69,35 milhões em custos médicos diretos para o ano de 2020. Os eventos de diabetes mellitus tipo 2 (DM2) atribuíveis ao consumo de bebidas açucaradas, em especial, podem representar mais de 20% do total de casos de DM2 no país. Conclusões. Um número elevado de mortes, eventos de saúde e custos pode ser atribuído ao consumo de bebidas açucaradas em El Salvador.

Health and economic burden of sugar-sweetened beverages consumption in Brazil / Carga sanitaria y económica del consumo de bebidas azucaradas en Brasil / Carga sanitária e econômica do consumo de bebidas açucaradas no Brasil

Abstract: Sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) are a major source of added sugar and are associated with noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) such as obesity and diabetes. This study assessed the impact of SSBs consumption on disease burden in Brazil, including deaths, disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), and healthcare costs. A 3-stage methodology was used to assess the direct effects of SSBs on diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and body mass index (BMI), along with the influence of BMI on disease incidence. These assessments were then used to estimate the economic and health burden using population-attributable factors. Results showed that 2.7% and 11% of adult and children overweight/obesity cases were attributable to SSBs, respectively. SSBs consumption in Brazil led to 1,814,486 cases, 12,942 deaths, 362,088 DALYs, and USD 2,915.91 million in medical costs related to diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, oncological diseases, and other NCDs. Urgent implementation of public policies is crucial to address the consumption of SSBs, recognized as a key risk factor for NCDs.

Resumen: Las bebidas azucaradas (BA) tienen una gran fuente de azúcar añadido y están asociadas con enfermedades no transmisibles (ENT), como la obesidad y la diabetes. Este estudio evaluó el impacto del consumo de las BA en la carga de enfermedad en Brasil, incluidas las muertes, los años de vida ajustados por discapacidad (AVAD) y los costos con la salud. Con el uso de una metodología de tres etapas, se evaluaron los efectos directos de las BA sobre la diabetes, las enfermedades cardiovasculares y el índice de masa corporal (IMC), la influencia del IMC en la incidencia de la enfermedad, y se estimó la carga económica y de salud utilizando los factores atribuibles a la población. Los resultados mostraron que el 2,7% de los casos de sobrepeso/obesidad en adultos y del 11% en niños fueron atribuibles a las BA. El consumo de las BA en Brasil generó 1.814.486 casos, 12.942 muertes, 362.088 AVAD y USD 2.915,91 millones en costos médicos relacionados con diabetes, enfermedades cardiovasculares, enfermedades oncológicas y otras ENT. Es necesario implementar políticas públicas para tratar el consumo de las BA, reconocido este como un factor de riesgo clave para las ENT.

Resumo: As bebidas açucaradas (BAs) são uma grande fonte de açúcar adicionado e estão associadas a doenças não transmissíveis (DNTs), como obesidade e diabetes. Este estudo avaliou o impacto do consumo de BAs sobre a carga de doenças no Brasil, incluindo óbitos, anos de vida ajustados por incapacidade (AVPIs) e custos de saúde. Usando uma metodologia de três estágios, examinamos os efeitos diretos das BAs sobre diabetes, doenças cardiovasculares e índice de massa corporal (IMC), a influência do IMC na incidência de doenças e estimamos o carga econômica e de saúde usando fatores atribuíveis à população. Os resultados mostraram que 2,7% dos casos de sobrepeso/obesidade em adultos e 11% em crianças foram atribuíveis a BAs. O consumo de BAs no Brasil levou a 1.814.486 casos, 12.942 mortes, 362.088 AVPIs e USD 2.915,91 milhões em custos médicos relacionados a diabetes, doenças cardiovasculares, doenças oncológicas e outras DNT. A implementação urgente de políticas públicas é crucial para enfrentar o consumo de BAs, reconhecido como um fator de risco fundamental para as DNT.

The estimated benefits of increasing cigarette prices through taxation on the burden of disease and economic burden of smoking in Nigeria: A modeling study.

BACKGROUND: Globally, tobacco consumption continues to cause a considerable burden of preventable diseases. Although the smoking prevalence in Nigeria may be declining over the last years, the absolute number of active smokers remains one of the highest in Africa. Little is known about the disease burden and economic costs of cigarette smoking in Nigeria. Consequently, there is an evidence gap to inform the design and implementation of an effective policy for tobacco control. METHODS: We applied a microsimulation model to estimate the burden attributable to smoking in terms of morbidity, mortality, disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs), and direct medical costs and indirect costs (e.g., productivity loss costs, informal caregivers' costs). We also modeled the health and economic impact of different scenarios of tobacco price increases through taxes. RESULTS: We estimated that smoking is responsible for approximately 29,000 annual deaths in Nigeria. This burden corresponds to 816,230 DALYs per year. In 2019, the total economic burden attributable to tobacco was estimated at ₦ 634 billion annually (approximately U$D 2.07 billion). If tobacco cigarettes' prices were to be raised by 50% through taxes, more than 30,000 deaths from smoking-attributable diseases would be averted in 10 years, with subsequent savings on direct and indirect costs of ₦597 billion and increased tax revenue collection of ₦369 billion. CONCLUSION: In Nigeria, tobacco is responsible for substantial health and economic burden. Increasing tobacco taxes could reduce this burden and produce net economic benefits.