Title of article :
Cost-effectiveness of Methadone Maintenance Treatment in Prevention of HIV Among Drug Users in Shiraz, South of Iran
Author/Authors :
Keshtkaran, Ali School of Management and Medical Information Sciences - Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, IR Iran , Mirahmadizadeh, Alireza Shiraz AIDS Research Center - Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, IR Iran , Heidari, Alireza Health Management and Social Development Research Center - Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, IR Iran , Javanbakht, Mehdi Health Economics Research Unit - Institute of Applied Health Sciences - University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
Pages :
6
From page :
1
To page :
6
Abstract :
Background: The increase in high-risk injections and unsafe sexual behaviors has led to increased HIV infection prevalence among Intravenous Drug Users (IDUs). The high costs of HIV/AIDS care and low financial resources necessitate an economic evaluation to make the best decision for the control of HIV/AIDS. Objectives: This study was conducted to determine the cost-effectiveness of Methadone Maintenance Treatment (MMT) centers in HIV infection prevention among drug users. Materials and Methods: In this interventional study, we included all the seven MMT centers and the drug users registered there (n = 694). We calculated all the costs imposed on the government, i.e. Provider of case. Mathematical models were used to estimate the number of HIV cases averted from high-risk behaviors. Sensitivity analyses were performed to show the effects of uncertainty in parameters on the number of HIV cases averted and also Incremental Cost-Effectiveness Ratio (ICER). Results: Based on the averted models, the selected MMT centers could prevent 128 HIV cases during 1 year. The total cost was $ 547423 and that of HIV/AIDS care in the no intervention scenario was estimated $ 14171816. ICER was $ 106382 per HIV case averted. The results of the sensitivity analysis indicated that MMT intervention was cost-effective even in the worst scenario and ICER varied from $ 39149 to $ 290004 per HIV case averted. Conclusions: With regard to the high prevalence of drug injection among drug users and considering the high effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of MMT centers in preventing HIV infection, establishment of MMT centers in regional and national levels seems reasonable.
Keywords :
Cost-Benefit Analysis , Methadone , Maintenance , Therapeutics , HIV
Journal title :
Astroparticle Physics
Serial Year :
2014
Record number :
2422393
Link To Document :
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