A cost-benefit analysis of an advocacy project to fluoridate toothpastes in Nepal.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this paper is to provide a limited cost-benefit analysis of a health promotion project based on advocacy to increase the availability and consumption of fluoride toothpaste.


METHODS
The cost-benefit analysis method uses the cost-of-illness approach to analyse the costs and benefits of the health promotion project.


METHODS
The setting for the health promotion project was the country of Nepal.


METHODS
A sub-set of the population (6-18 year-olds) was used to compute the financial burden of treating projected caries in the permanent dentition.


METHODS
The paper compares the projected effect of fluoride toothpaste versus non-fluoride toothpaste on the financial burden of dental caries for a sub-set of the Nepali population over a period of 6 years.


METHODS
The net present value (NPV) and the benefit-cost ratio are the main outcome measures.


RESULTS
Over a period of 6 years the NPV was US dollar 594,466 for a projected 10% reduction in dental caries of this population group as a result of fluoridation of toothpastes: US dollar 1,035,640 for a projected 20% reduction; and US dollar 2,442,333 for a projected 40% reduction in caries increment. For every US dollar 1 spent on the advocacy project to increase the availability and consumption of fluoride toothpaste, there is a potential saving in the direct cost of treating caries ranging from US dollar 87 to US dollar 356.


CONCLUSIONS
The cost benefit analysis presented shows the project was efficient. Tangible benefits resulting from the intervention of fluoride toothpaste were quantified as well as the risks from having no intervention.
Yee
Robert
R
Oral Health Programme, United Mission to Nepal, Kathmandu, Nepal robyee@wlink.com.np
McDonald
Neil
N
Walker
David
D
D000293:Adolescent; D002327:Cariostatic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000191:economics*; D002648:Child; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis / Q000379:methods; D003731:Dental Caries / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005459:Fluorides / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000191:economics*; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D009390:Nepal; D011322:Primary Prevention / Q000379:methods; D014100:Toothpastes / Q000737:chemistry / Q000191:economics*
D002327:Cariostatic Agents; D014100:Toothpastes; D005459:Fluorides