Analytical approach:
The analysis was based on a decision-tree model for the eligible Australian population (children aged five to 11 years). A lifetime horizon was considered and the authors stated that a societal perspective was adopted.
Effectiveness data:
The clinical data were from a variety of sources, that included published studies, national surveys, administrative databases, and authors’ opinions. Some of the key data for the programme were from its implementation in the state of Victoria, and these were extrapolated to represent the whole of Australia. The key input was the relative increase in energy expenditure with the intervention. Published algorithms were used to convert the changes in energy expenditure to changes in the body mass index (BMI). Some assumptions were needed for the percentages of active and non-active children before the programme started.
Monetary benefit and utility valuations:
The change in BMI was converted to disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs), using a published method.
Measure of benefit:
DALYs and changes in the BMI were the summary benefit measures. DALYs were discounted at an annual rate of 3%.
Cost data:
The economic analysis included those costs borne by the health sector, participants and their families, and other sectors involved in the delivery of the intervention. A list cost items, with unit costs and their sources, was presented in an appendix. Most of the data were from the implementation of the programme. The costs were in Australian dollars (AUD). The price year was 2001 and a 3% annual discount rate was applied.
Analysis of uncertainty:
Monte Carlo simulations were used to create confidence intervals (CIs) around the model outcomes. Alternative scenarios were considered for: the ratio of sites per regional co-ordinator, the number of state-level coordinators, the wage of the site coordinators, a combination of these three scenarios, and the intervention benefit.
