Cost-effectiveness of Gargling for Preventing Upper Respiratory Tract Infections
Author Information
Author(s): Sakai Michi, Shimbo Takuro, Omata Kazumi, Takahashi Yoshimitsu, Satomura Kazunari, Kitamura Tetsuhisa, Kawamura Takashi, Baba Hisamitsu, Yoshihara Masaharu, Itoh Hiroshi
Primary Institution: Research Institute, International Medical Center of Japan
Hypothesis
Is gargling a cost-effective strategy for preventing upper respiratory tract infections from a societal perspective?
Conclusion
Gargling is a cost-effective preventive strategy for upper respiratory tract infections that is acceptable from both third-party payer and societal perspectives.
Supporting Evidence
- Gargling reduced the incidence of URTI by 36%.
- The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) for gargling was $31,800 per quality-adjusted life year (QALY).
- The 60-day cumulative follow-up costs were $105.3 for the gargling group and $68.2 for the control group.
- Gargling resulted in an increase of 0.43 QALD compared to the control group.
- 69.8% probability of gargling being cost-effective at a $50,000/QALY threshold.
- Careful evaluation is required for the cost of gargling and the utility of moderate URTI.
- Costs of gargling were estimated based on the average wage of Japanese workers.
Takeaway
Gargling can help prevent colds and is worth the cost because it saves money on doctor visits and medicine.
Methodology
Economic evaluation alongside a randomized controlled trial comparing water gargling and control groups over 60 days.
Limitations
The study was conducted in winter when URTI is most prevalent, which may affect the generalizability of the results to other seasons.
Participant Demographics
Healthy adults aged 18 to 65 years, with a mix of genders.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.044
Confidence Interval
$1,900–$248,100
Statistical Significance
p=0.044
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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