Date of Publication

2021

Project Team

Marissa Parisi

Abstract

Background: Community-based obesity programs have become a common intervention to address childhood obesity. A majority of these programs have not estimated the cost-effectiveness of their interventions.

Purpose: Determine the fiscal impact of a community obesity prevention program in the state of VT.

Methods: Community Programs and Policies Intensity (CPPI) scores were calculated for Franklin and Grand Isle (FGI) from 2017-2019. Changes in childhood obesity from 2017-2019 were analyzed and subsequent health care cost savings were calculated based on observed obesity changes. Change in CPPI scores were compared to expected change in obesity to allow forecasting for biannual health care cost savings based on CPPI scores. Program manager perception of the usefulness of these measurements was measured.

Results: Mean standardized CPPI scores in FGI were 0.69 in 2017, and 0.82 in 2019, an average net increase of 0.13. From 2017 to 2019 obesity increased by 1.4% and extreme obesity decreased by 1.3%. Two-year medical savings from 2017 to 2019 were estimated at $71,436 - $205,140 in FGI. A statewide community obesity prevention program was forecasted to have $583,495 - $1,505,906 in child healthcare cost savings over the next two years. Program managers were more likely to incorporate dose into their projects.

Conclusions: Service areas with greater positive change in CPPI have greater reductions in childhood extreme obesity and thus increased biannual health care cost savings. CPPI scores are a useful metric to track the cost-effectiveness of community obesity programs.

Document Type

Project

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