Cost-Effectiveness of Folic Acid Supplementation for Stroke Prevention in China
Author Information
Author(s): Chen Xiyin, Bishai David
Primary Institution: The University of Hong Kong
Hypothesis
What is the cost-effectiveness of folic acid supplementation in preventing strokes among hypertensive patients in China, considering vitamin B12 deficiency?
Conclusion
Folate supplementation with integrated screening for B12 and folate deficiencies is the most cost-effective strategy for preventing strokes in hypertensive elderly patients in China.
Supporting Evidence
- Policy C and Policy D were cost-effective compared to Policy A.
- Policy B was not cost-effective due to the costs associated with treating neuropathy.
- 72.7% chance that Policy C is cost-effective at the WTP threshold.
- 83.5% chance that Policy D is cost-effective at the WTP threshold.
- Folate supplementation can be efficiently administered through food fortification.
Takeaway
Giving folic acid can help prevent strokes, but we need to check for vitamin B12 deficiency first to avoid serious health problems.
Methodology
A cost-effectiveness analysis using a decision tree model over a five-year period.
Potential Biases
Potential underestimation of costs associated with treating neuropathy due to delayed diagnosis of B12 deficiency.
Limitations
The study did not consider other co-morbidities and the administrative costs of implementing the interventions.
Participant Demographics
Hypertensive patients aged 50 and older in China, with a sample size of 20,702.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.0061
Confidence Interval
95% CI of 0.68–0.93
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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