Systematic review and meta-analysis of cost-benefit studies regarding tobacco and nicotine cessation programmes

The results of the 2019 health census carried out by Statistics Austria show that 20.7% of the Austrian population aged 16+ smoke every day. Tobacco and nicotine use are associated with long-term health problems such as cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease and cancer. According to estimates by the Global Burden of Disease Monitoring Programme, around 15% of all deaths in Austria in 2017 were attributable to tobacco and nicotine use (including passive smoking). Tobacco/nicotine use also results in higher costs, both within and outside the health care system, due to increased morbidity and mortality among smokers (including passive smokers). Smoking cessation is an important intervention to reduce tobacco-/nicotine-related diseases and associated costs. This systematic review, commissioned by the governing body of social insurance institutions, assesses the economic benefits of tobacco/nicotine cessation services in outpatient and inpatient settings. The results of the individual studies included in the review are summarised in quantitative terms on the basis of a meta-analysis.