Open AccessUnderstanding Price Elasticities to Inform Public Health Research and Intervention Studies: Key Issues
Author(s) -
Nhung Nghiem,
Nick Wilson,
Murat Genç,
Tony Blakely
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
american journal of public health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.284
H-Index - 264
eISSN - 1541-0048
pISSN - 0090-0036
DOI - 10.2105/ajph.2013.301337
Subject(s) - public economics , subsidy , public health , intervention (counseling) , key (lock) , economics , tobacco control , public policy , business , environmental health , medicine , economic growth , computer science , nursing , computer security , psychiatry , market economy
Pricing policies such as taxes and subsidies are important tools in preventing and controlling a range of threats to public health. This is particularly so in tobacco and alcohol control efforts and efforts to change dietary patterns and physical activity levels as a means of addressing increases in noncommunicable diseases. To understand the potential impact of pricing policies, it is critical to understand the nature of price elasticities for consumer products. For example, price elasticities are key parameters in models of any food tax or subsidy that aims to quantify health impacts and cost-effectiveness. We detail relevant terms and discuss key issues surrounding price elasticities to inform public health research and intervention studies.