Publication
Title
Evidence-based prevention of cannabis use in Flanders: is there a role for health economic evaluation?
Author
Abstract
Objectives Cannabis is a popular drug in Flanders, in spite of the fact that the prevention of its use lists high on the Flemish political agenda. The Flemish Government aims to prevent cannabis use efficiently and in achieving this, a health economic analysis could be helpful. The possibilities and limitations of applying economic evaluation techniques to the prevention of substance (ab)use, are discussed in this paper. Methods A thorough literature search, interviews with key persons, an internet search and an analysis of unpublished reports and documents was performed. Results The interrelation between various forms of substance use, and of the array of strategies to prevent this (including the costs thereof), seems to demand a joint evaluation of multiple substances. Conclusions More than methodological difficulties, the general lack of knowledge on age- and time-specific health and income effects caused by various forms of substance (ab)use, currently makes the evidence-based evaluation of prevention of cannabis use in Flanders a virtually impossible undertaking.
Language
English
Source (journal)
Archives of public health / Institut scientifique de la santé publique--Louis Pasteur (Belgium); Belgium. Ministère de la santé publique et de l'environnement. - Brussels, 1990, currens
Publication
Brussels : 2009
ISSN
0778-7367 [print]
2049-3258 [online]
Volume/pages
67 :4 (2009) , p. 146-160
Full text (open access)
UAntwerpen
Faculty/Department
Research group
Publication type
Subject
Affiliation
Publications with a UAntwerp address
External links
Record
Identifier
Creation 22.06.2010
Last edited 07.10.2022
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