Socioeconomic differences in the cost-effectiveness of a telephone-based intervention for obesity prevention in early childhood
Authors' conclusion
A telephone and SMS intervention was more cost-effective in low-SEP groups compared with high-SEP groups. Prioritizing families from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds for this intervention will reduce healthy weight inequalities in childhood.
Study context
- Population
- Mothers of children aged 2–4 years; cohort of 4- to 5-year-old Australian children modelled until 17 years of age
- Comparison
- Telephone and short message service (SMS) support intervention, by socioeconomic position
- Outcome
- Incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) per BMI unit avoided and per QALY gained, by SEP group
- Follow-up
- Until 17 years of age
Methodological detailsSocioeconomic position (SEP)-specific, microsimulation model (EQ-EPOCH), Australian health payer perspective, 2023 Australian dollars
- SEP-specific
- Microsimulation model (EQ-EPOCH)
- Australian health payer perspective
- 2023 Australian dollars
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
ICER
| Group | ICER per body mass index (BMI) unit avoided | ICER per QALY gained |
|---|---|---|
| Low-SEP | $131 | $6549 |
| High-SEP | $1161 | $41,462 |
ICER per body mass index (BMI) unit avoided
Low-SEP$131
High-SEP$1161
ICER per QALY gained
Low-SEP$6549
High-SEP$41,462
Further findings
Probability cost-effective at WTP threshold of $50,000 per QALY gained
Original publication
Socioeconomic differences in the cost-effectiveness of a telephone-based intervention for obesity prevention in early childhood. Int J Obes (Lond). Published 6 September 2025. doi:10.
Composed by AI from the published abstract and checked against it. How Briefs are made →