Cost-utility analysis of traditional drug therapy with and without exercise program for hypertensive patients in real-life data primary health care

Abstract

Aim:

The study aimed to conduct a cost-utility analysis of traditional drug therapy (TDT) provided for hypertensive patients at primary care in comparison to the protocol based on combination with an exercise program (TDT+E) in real-life conditions, adopting a health system perspective.

Methods:

Longitudinal study based on enrollment of 49 hypertensive adults distributed into two groups, for 12 months. Quality-adjusted life years were estimated using health-related quality of life. Direct health care costs were calculated including inputs and human resources in primary care from medical records. Sensitivity analysis was performed based on multivariate and probabilistic scenarios.

Results:

Incremental cost-effectiveness ratios of TDT+E in comparison to TDT were +79.69. Sensitivity analysis showed that TDT+E presented advantages considering uncertainties.

Conclusion:

Our findings show that exercise programs may improve quality of life and life expectancy among hypertensive patients.

Keywords
cost-utility analysis; exercise; physical activity; QALY; quality of life; healthcare costs; hypertension