Review

Scand J Work Environ Health 2012;38(5):393-408    pdf

https://doi.org/10.5271/sjweh.3275 | Published online: 24 Jan 2012, Issue date: 01 Sep 2012

A systematic review of the cost-effectiveness of worksite physical activity and/or nutrition programs

by van Dongen JM, Proper KI, van Wier MF, van der Beek AJ, Bongers PM, van Mechelen W, van Tulder MW

Objective The aim of this study was to appraise and summarize the evidence on the cost-effectiveness of worksite physical activity and/or nutrition programs.

Methods We searched EMBASE, MEDLINE, SportDiscus, PsycInfo, NIOSHTIC-2, NHSEED, HTA, and Econlit for studies published up to 14 January 2011. Additionally, we searched for articles by reviewing references, searching authors’ databases, and contacting authors of included studies. Two researchers independently selected articles. Articles had to include a cost-effectiveness and/or cost-utility analysis comparing a worksite physical activity and/or nutrition program to usual care or an abridged version of the program. Data were extracted on study characteristics and results. Two researchers independently assessed the risk of bias using the Consensus on Health Economic Criteria list (CHEC-list).

Results Ten studies (18 programs) were included. More than 50% of the studies fulfilled 11 (58%) of the 19 CHEC-list items. From various perspectives, worksite nutrition and worksite physical activity and nutrition programs (N=6) were more costly and more effective in reducing body weight than usual care. When only intervention costs were considered, most worksite nutrition (N=4/5) and worksite physical activity and nutrition programs (N=5/6) were more costly and more effective in reducing cholesterol level and cardiovascular disease risks, respectively.

Conclusions The cost-effectiveness of more costly and more effective programs depends on the “willingness to pay” for their effects. It is unknown how much decision-makers are willing to pay for reductions in body weight, cholesterol level, and cardiovascular disease risks. Therefore, conclusions about the cost-effectiveness of worksite physical activity and/or nutrition programs cannot be made. There is substantial need for improvement of the methodological quality of studies and particular emphasis should be placed on the handling of uncertainty.

This article refers to the following texts of the Journal: 2004;30(1):36-46  2006;32(1):1-4  2007;33(3):161-164  2010;36(3):202-215  2010;36(4):273-288
The following articles refer to this text: 2013;39(3):217-220; 2018;44(5):458-474; 2020;46(2):127-142; 2022;48(4):249-252