H. Krueger & Associates Inc. has created a unique economic model. The model looks at the direct and indirect costs associated with the risk factors of excess weight, tobacco smoking, alcohol use, physical inactivity and unhealthy eating.
It is the first peer-reviewed model that adjusts for double counting based on the overlap of multiple risk factors in any one individual.
The model was initially developed in 2010 for a project in Manitoba which examined the economic burden of tobacco smoking, excess weight and physical inactivity in that province, with the results subsequently published in a peer-reviewed journal.
In 2014, we extended the analysis across Canada, with results published in the Canadian Journal of Public Health.
In 2015, we made a critical update to the model and revised our analysis for Canada. We also determined what the potential cost-avoidance would be across Canada if every province was as healthy as the province with the lowest risk factor rates.
The results were again published in the Canadian Journal of Public Health. British Columbia ranked as the healthiest province.
If the residents in the other provinces were as healthy as British Columbians, Canada would save $5.3 billion annually.
This news was highlighted across the country by various media outlets.
We subsequently analysed the variation in risk factors within British Columbia by Health Service Delivery Area.
A summary of these results will be published in the April 2016 (Volume 36:4) issue of the journal, Health Promotion and Chronic Disease Prevention in Canada, Research, Policy and Practice.
We can use our model to analyse your jurisdiction. We will produce a customized report that will inspire you to focus on initiatives that promote healthy lifestyles.
Until recently, our risk factor reduction model was based on three key risk factors that generate healthcare costs, namely, tobacco smoking, excess weight and physical inactivity.
We have now incorporated alcohol use and are in the process of incorporating unhealthy eating.
Our current research addresses the following questions:
Please contact us if you are interested in promoting healthy lifestyles in your jurisdiction.
We can provide convincing data for a funding application. Furthermore, we can collaborate with you to write a report tailored to your needs. If you want to see your results published in a professional journal, we will provide the leadership needed to make it happen.
Transparent Analyses
Collaborative Written Reports
Professional Publications