Affordability calculations on a health education campaign to promote the use of aspirin in Wales

Abstract

Aspirin has far-reaching public health potential in reducing the risk of heart attacks, ischemic strokes and possibly cancer. Balanced against this potential are undesirable effects of the drug. It seems reasonable to allow every individual over the age of 50 years to make an informed choice about whether or not to take aspirin. A health education campaign on aspirin via general medical practices might save the Welsh NHS as much as £1m per annum from avoided hospital admissions. In addition, the campaign might save more than one life per week in Wales. The NHS and Local Authorities in Wales have several ways of introducing a health education campaign on aspirin, and the cost per life saved of such a campaign appears comparable to smoking cessation programmes. A health education campaign of aspirin in Wales for individuals aged 50+ years is affordable and reasonable.

Keywords

aspirin health education individuals 50+years Wales

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