Jadambaa, Amarzaya, Graves, Nicholas, Cross, Donna, Pacella, Rosana ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9742-1957, Thomas, Hannah J., Scott, James G., Cheng, Qinglu and Brain, David (2021) Economic evaluation of an intervention designed to reduce bullying in Australian schools. Applied Health Economics and Health Policy. ISSN 1175-5652 (Print), 1179-1896 (Online) (doi:10.1007/s40258-021-00676-y)

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Abstract

Background
There is a shortage of information on the costs and benefits of anti-bullying programs implemented in Australia. Information on the costs and benefits of anti-bullying programs is vital to assist policy making regarding the adoption of these programs. The aim of this study was to estimate the changes to costs and health benefits of implementing the “Friendly Schools Friendly Families” (FSFF) anti-bullying intervention in Australia.
Methods
A societal perspective cost-effectiveness analysis was undertaken based on randomised controlled trial data for an anti-bullying intervention implemented in primary schools in Western Australia. The modelling strategy addressed changes to costs comprising intervention costs, less cost-savings, and then changes to health benefits measured by avoidable disability-adjusted life years (DALYs). Costs and health benefits were identified, measured, and valued in 2016 Australian dollars. Intermediate events modelled included anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, intentional self-harm, cost-savings accrued by educator time, and reduced productivity losses for carers associated with absenteeism. Uncertainty analysis and scenario analyses were also conducted.
Results
The prevalence of bullying victimisation was reduced by 18% by the Friendly Schools Friendly Families anti-bullying intervention. At a national level, this is expected to result in the avoidance of 9114 DALYs (95% CI 8770–9459) and cost-savings of A$120 million per year. The majority of cost-savings were associated with the reduction in mental healthcare. The model results demonstrated that the FSFF anti-bullying intervention is likely to be a cost-effective approach to reduce bullying in Australia, relative to a threshold of A$50,000 per DALY averted, with an ICER of A$1646.
Conclusions
The Friendly Schools Friendly Families anti-bullying intervention represents a good investment compared to usual activities for the management of child and adolescent bullying in Australia. The investment and implementation of evidence-based interventions that reduce bullying victimisation and bullying perpetration in schools could reduce the economic burden associated with common mental health disorders and thereby improve the health of many Australians.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	bullying, Australia, intervention, economic evaluation
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > HD Industries. Land use. Labor > HD61 Risk Management L Education > L Education (General)
Faculty / School / Research Centre / Research Group:	Faculty of Education, Health & Human Sciences Faculty of Education, Health & Human Sciences > Institute for Lifecourse Development Faculty of Education, Health & Human Sciences > Institute for Lifecourse Development > Centre for Vulnerable Children and Families
Related URLs:	Publisher
Last Modified:	10 Aug 2022 01:38
URI:	http://gala.gre.ac.uk/id/eprint/33860

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