Economic Evaluation of Community-Based Public Health Interventions: A Critical Review of Methodologies, Evidence, and Future Directions
Issued Date
2026-04-01
Resource Type
eISSN
15452093
Scopus ID
2-s2.0-105034988019
Pubmed ID
41197154
Journal Title
Annual Review of Public Health
Volume
47
Issue
1
Start Page
393
End Page
413
Rights Holder(s)
SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
Annual Review of Public Health Vol.47 No.1 (2026) , 393-413
Suggested Citation
Tsui T.Y.M., Anothaisintawee T., Chareonrungrueangchai K., Tan S.H.X., Teerawattananon Y. Economic Evaluation of Community-Based Public Health Interventions: A Critical Review of Methodologies, Evidence, and Future Directions. Annual Review of Public Health Vol.47 No.1 (2026) , 393-413. 413. doi:10.1146/annurev-publhealth-081424-040849 Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/123456789/116181
Title
Economic Evaluation of Community-Based Public Health Interventions: A Critical Review of Methodologies, Evidence, and Future Directions
Corresponding Author(s)
Other Contributor(s)
Abstract
This critical review explores the current state of health economic evaluations of community-based public health interventions. Referencing 79 systematic reviews, it highlights the diversity of interventions, target populations, and evaluation methods while identifying promising cost-effectiveness evidence and significant methodological challenges. Key issues include inconsistent terminology, limited data from low- and middle-income countries, and variability in assessment approaches, which hinder comparability and policy application. The article emphasizes the need for standardized frameworks, tailored guidelines to inform evidence generation and decision-making, and stronger research capacity for conducting high-quality economic evaluations, particularly in resource-constrained settings. We highlight the importance of incorporating broader perspectives, such as spillover effects, and developing innovative modeling techniques to better capture community dynamics. Addressing these gaps will enhance the quality, rigor, and relevance of evaluations, supporting more sustainable investments in community health initiatives worldwide. Strengthening evaluation practices will ultimately improve resource allocation and health outcomes across populations and settings globally.