Cost-Effectiveness of Community-Based Interventions for Hypertension Prevention and Management: A Protocol

Abstract

Introduction: Hypertension presents a global health challenge, contributing significantly to household and health system costs. While clinical effectiveness of hypertension interventions is well documented, evidence on the cost-effectiveness of community-based interventions remains limited. This review aims to evaluate the economic evidence of community-based interventions for hypertension prevention and management and compare cost-effectiveness estimates across diverse geographical and implementation settings. Methods: A systematic search will be conducted across databases such as Scopus, Web of Science, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature Plus, American Psychological Association PsycINFO, National Health Service Economic Evaluation Database, and Cochrane Central, covering literature up to January 2025. Grey literature and preprints will also be included. Eligible studies will be full economic evaluations comparing two or more community-based interventions, in any language. Two reviewers will independently screen studies using RAYYAN software. Quality assessment will be performed using validated checklists. A meta-analysis will be undertaken contingent upon the presence of adequate homogeneity in outcomes and methodologies. Discussion: This review will highlight cost-effectiveness estimates and identify methodological and subject-specific gaps in the literature which can provide comprehensive insights to inform policy decision on CBIs for HTN. While focusing on adult populations may introduce publication bias, this will be considered during interpretation. Systematic review registration: This review is registered under PROSPERO, Indentifier: CRD420246129.