Open AccessObesity‐related health impacts of active transport policies in Australia – a policy review and health impact modelling study
Author(s) -
Brown Vicki,
Moodie Marj,
Cobiac Linda,
Mantilla Herrera,
Carter Robert
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
australian and new zealand journal of public health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.946
H-Index - 76
eISSN - 1753-6405
pISSN - 1326-0200
DOI - 10.1111/1753-6405.12726
Subject(s) - psychological intervention , environmental health , government (linguistics) , business , health care , public economics , health policy , health benefits , cost–benefit analysis , public health , medicine , political science , economics , economic growth , nursing , linguistics , philosophy , law , traditional medicine
Objective : To review Australian policies on active transport, defined as walking and cycling for utilitarian purposes. To estimate the potential health impact of achieving four active transport policy scenarios. Methods : A policy review was undertaken, using key words to search government websites. Potential health benefits were quantified using a cohort simulation Markov model to estimate obesity and transport injury‐related health effects of an increase in active transport. Health adjusted life years (HALYs) gained and healthcare cost savings from diseases averted were estimated. Budget thresholds to achieve cost‐effectiveness were estimated for each scenario. Results : There is broad recognition of the health‐related benefits of active transport from all levels of Australian government. Modelling results suggest significant health‐related benefits of achieving increased prevalence of active transport. Total HALYs saved assuming a one‐year effect ranged from 565 (95%UI 173–985) to 12,105 (95%UI 4,970–19,707), with total healthcare costs averted ranging from $6.6M (95%UI $1.9M‐11.3M) to $141.2M (95%UI $53.8M–227.8M). Conclusion : Effective interventions that improve rates of active transport may result in substantial healthcare‐related cost savings through a decrease in conditions related to obesity. Implications for public health : Significant potential exists for effective and cost‐effective interventions that result in more walking and cycling.