Cost-Effectiveness of Smoking Cessation to Prevent Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Author Information
Author(s): Susan F. Hurley, Jane P. Matthews, Robyn H. Guymer
Primary Institution: Bainbridge Consultants
Hypothesis
Does smoking cessation reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration and is it cost-effective?
Conclusion
Smoking cessation is unequivocally cost-effective in terms of its impact on age-related macular degeneration outcomes alone.
Supporting Evidence
- Quitting smoking can lead to 48 fewer cases of macular degeneration for every 1,000 smokers who quit.
- Smoking cessation was cost-saving when caregiver costs were included in the analysis.
- The cost per QALY gained through quitting smoking was only $197 when caregiver costs were excluded.
Takeaway
If people stop smoking, they can lower their chances of getting eye problems as they get older, and it can save money too.
Methodology
A Markov model was developed to simulate the risk and progression of macular degeneration in smokers and quitters, using data from 7 studies involving 1,488 patients.
Limitations
The analysis focused solely on macular degeneration and did not consider other health benefits of quitting smoking.
Participant Demographics
The study involved a hypothetical cohort of 1,000 smokers, stratified by age and sex, representing the U.S. population of smokers in 2004.
Statistical Information
Confidence Interval
90 – 241
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website