Home gardening of yellow cassava and orange maize for the prevention of nutritional blindness in children: An economic evaluation and value of information analysis

Esio-Bassey, Chizoba; Wilson, Edward C F; Hooper, Lee; Rao, Nitya; Whitty, Jennifer A.

Abstract

Objectives: Vitamin A deficiency is the leading cause of childhood blindness worldwide, affecting mostly Sub-Saharan Africa. We aimed to predict the cost-effectiveness of home gardening (HG) of yellow cassava and orange maize to prevent nutritional blindness in children below 5 years and to assess the likely value of obtaining additional information in reducing uncertainty surrounding its cost-effectiveness. Methods: We developed a Markov model and carried out probabilistic sensitivity analysis with a value of information analysis. We costed resources from a societal perspective and outcomes were measured in disability-adjusted life years (DALYs). Results: HG was estimated to cost an additional Intl$395.00 per DALY averted, with a 72.27% likelihood of being cost-effective at a threshold of Intl$2800 per DALY. The expected value of information was estimated to be Intl$29 843.50 for 1 child or Intl$925 billion for 31 million Nigerian children affected by the decision. Further research is only worthwhile for 1 parameter (relative risk of low serum retinol; expected value of perfect parameter information Intl$29 854.53 per child and Intl$925 billion for 31 million children). Conclusion: HG of yellow cassava and orange maize is expected to be highly cost-effective in preventing nutritional blindness in Nigerian children. Worthwhile further research includes a cost analysis of the intervention and a high-quality randomized trial to assess the effectiveness of HG on serum retinol levels in young children.

Citation

Esio-Bassey, C., Wilson, E. C. F., Hooper, L., Rao, N., & Whitty, J. A. (2023). Home gardening of yellow cassava and orange maize for the prevention of nutritional blindness in children: An economic evaluation and value of information analysis. Value in Health Regional Issues, 38, 77-84. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.vhri.2023.07.002

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Aug 9, 2023
• Online Publication Date: Aug 22, 2023
• Publication Date: Nov 30, 2023
• Deposit Date: Oct 5, 2023
• Publicly Available Date: Aug 23, 2024
• Journal: Value in Health Regional Issues
• Print ISSN: 2212-1099
• Electronic ISSN: 2212-1102
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 38
• Pages: 77-84
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.vhri.2023.07.002
• Keywords: cost-effectiveness analysis; home gardening; nutritional blindness; value of information analysis; vitamin A deficiency VALUE HEALTH REG ISSUES 2023; 38:77-84
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/11067690