Cost-effectiveness analysis of physical exercise program among hypertensive patients in the Brazilian National Healthcare System: real-life data

Abstract - Objective The study aimed to perform a cost-effectiveness analysis comparing the treatment based on traditional drug therapy (TDT), in relation to alternative treatment based on combined TDT and exercise program (TDT +E) in real-life condition. Methods: The health outcomes monitored during the investigation were metabolic (glucose, cholesterol, and triglycerides) and body composition (weight, body mass index [BMI] and body fat percentage [%BF]) parameters of individuals within each group. Healthcare expenditures from each participant were estimated including information registered in medical records during 12 months of follow-up. Results: The intervention group showed economic advantages in comparison to control group for triglycerides, cholesterol, weight, BMI and body fat percentage and corresponding to savings of US$7.63/mg/dL, US$5.20/mg/dL, US$31.21/kg, US$69.38/kg/m2 and US$19.32/%BF. Results were maintained even after sensitivity analyzes. Conclusions: Exercise programs might be cost-effectiveness to public health interventions among hypertensive patients in primary health care facilities, due to reduced metabolic and body composition variables, which are risk factors for chronic diseases.