Smoking cessation programme in Hong Kong

Abstract

Background

Smoking cessation programmes are well established in western countries with many economic appraisals and analysis. However, appraisals are scarce in Asian countries. Smoking cessation in Hong Kong started less than 20 years ago. This study aim to analysed the cost-effectiveness of smoking cessation programmes under the management of Department of Health in Hong Kong.

Methods

There is only one smoking cessation clinic run by the Department of Health targeting the public. Smokers were enrolled through a smoking cessation hotline or referral from general out-patient clinics. Counselling and nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) were provided to appropriate clients. The effectiveness was measured by estimating the number of quitters and the long-term health benefits of smoking cessation in term of life years saved(LYS) according to the number and age of the quitters. Cost-effectiveness was evaluated from the perspective of the service provider.

Results

5510life-years were saved without discounting and 2850life-years were saved with a 1.75% discounting rate per year. 1282 patients became long-term quitters where each of them earned 2.2 life years. The cost per long-term quitter was HK$ 157,000(US$ 20,000). The cost per life-years saved was HK$ 22,000(US$ 2,800) without discounting and HK$ 43,000(US$ 5,400) with 1.75% discounting.

Conclusions

The results showed that the smoking cessation programme under the management of Department of Health in Hong Kong was cost-effective compared with other medical interventions. Further enhancement in smoking cessation service for youths, conducting research on smoking related issues, promotion on smoking cessation services, as well as providing training for health care professional in provision of smoking cessation service in the community are suggested to improve the tobacco control package in Hong Kong.