Publication year: 2011
Source: Addictive Behaviors, In Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available online 5 August 2011
Jennifer Prah, Ruger , Christina M., Lazar
Drug abuse and transmission of HIV during pregnancy are major public health problems that adversely affect pregnant women, their children and surrounding communities. Programs that address this vulnerable population have the ability to be cost effective due to resulting cost savings for mother, child and society. Economic evaluations of programs that address these issues are an important tool to better understand the costs of services and create sustainable healthcare systems. This study critically examined economic evaluations of drug abuse treatment and HIV prevention programs in pregnant women. A systematic review was conducted using the criteria recommended by the Panel on…
Highlights: ► Drug abuse treatment and PMTCT programs for pregnant women are cost-effective ► Cognitive-behavioral programs targeting high-risk groups appear more cost-effective ► Policymakers should consider both effectiveness and cost-effectiveness ► Economic evaluations should become part of evidence base ► Greater standardization and transparency in economic analysis will improve value