Cost-benefit analysis indicates the positive economic benefits of the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program related to chronic disease prevention.
OBJECTIVE
To provide an estimated cost-benefit ratio for the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP), based on potential prevention of diet-related chronic diseases and conditions.


METHODS
A retrospective cost-benefit study using demographic, food/nutrient intake, and food-related behavioral data previously collected on program participants by trained paraprofessionals, before and after an intervention. Actual costs of implementing EFNEP for 1 year (1996) were also used.


METHODS
3100 female and male adults who had participated in the Virginia EFNEP during 1996.


METHODS
Prior participation in 6 to 12 food/nutrition education lessons with subsequent graduation from EFNEP.


METHODS
Cost-benefit ratios for EFNEP, based on original assumptions and subsequent sensitivity analyses.


METHODS
Program implementation costs were compiled and compared with monetized benefits of disease prevention to produce benefit-to-cost ratios. Excel and SPSS computer programs were used to compute cost-benefit ratios based on standard procedures used in the field of economics.


RESULTS
The initial benefit-to-cost ratio was $10.64/$1.00, with subsequent sensitivity analyses producing ratios ranging from $2.66/1.00 to $17.04/1.00.


CONCLUSIONS
The results of EFNEP intervention translate into a positive cost-benefit based on potential prevention of diet-related chronic diseases and conditions. Thus, EFNEP is a good use of federal tax dollars.
Rajgopal
Radhika
R
Indiana Center for Evaluation, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana 47408-2601, USA.
Cox
Ruby H
RH
Lambur
Michael
M
Lewis
Edwin C
EC
D000328:Adult; D002908:Chronic Disease / Q000191:economics*; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis / Q000191:economics*; D003365:Costs and Cost Analysis / Q000191:economics; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D005260:Female; D005502:Food / Q000191:economics*; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000191:economics; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D052756:Nutritional Sciences / Q000193:education*; D012189:Retrospective Studies