Cost effectiveness of a community based research project to help women quit smoking.

objectiveTo estimate the cost effectiveness of a four year, multifaceted, community based research project shown previously to help women quit smoking.

designA quasi-experimental matched control design.

settingTwo counties in Vermont and two in New Hampshire, USA. SUBJECTS: Women aged 18-64 years.

methodsCosts were the grant related expenditures converted to 2002 US dollars. Survey results at the end of the intervention were used to estimate the numbers of never smokers, former smokers, light smokers, and heavy smokers in the intervention and comparison counties, and 1986 life tables for populations of US women categorised by smoking status to estimate the gain in life expectancy.

main outcome measuresCost effectiveness ratios, as dollars per life-year saved, for the intervention only and for total grant costs (intervention, evaluation and indirect costs).

resultsThe cost effectiveness ratio for the intervention, in 2002 US dollars per life-year saved, discounted at 3%, was 1156 dollars (90% confidence interval (CI) 567 dollars to infinity), and for the total grant, 4022 dollars (90% CI 1973 dollars to infinity). When discounted at 5%, these ratios were 1922 dollars (90% CI 1024 dollars to 15,647 dollars), and 6683 dollars (90% CI 3555 dollars to 54,422 dollars), respectively.

conclusionThe cost effectiveness ratios of this research project are economically attractive, and are comparable with other smoking cessation interventions for women. These observations should encourage further research and dissemination of community based interventions to reduce smoking.