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Health Economics Perspectives on Health Promotion and Health Equity
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Health Economics Perspectives on Health Promotion and Health Equity

A special issue of International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (ISSN 1660-4601). This special issue belongs to the section "Health Care Sciences".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 October 2026 | Viewed by 6673

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Alemayehu Desalegne Hailu

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Guest Editor
Department of Health and Functioning, Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, 5063 Bergen, Norway
Interests: global health; health economics; priority setting in healthcare; decision-analysis
Dr. Lumbwe Chola

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Guest Editor
Department of Health Management and Health Economics, University of Oslo, 0317 Oslo, Norway
Interests: health economics; priority setting in healthcare; health technology assessment
Dr. Olufunke A. Alaba

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Guest Editor
School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town 7925, South Africa
Interests: health equity; social determinants of health; health economics
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue of The International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health seeks to explore the role of health economics in advancing health promotion and achieving health equity. Applying economic principles and methodologies allows researchers to better understand the costs and benefits of various health promotion interventions, identify the most efficient allocation of resources, and assess the impact of policies on health disparities. Contributions may encompass a wide range of topics, including, but not limited to, the following:

  • Cost-effectiveness analyses of health promotion programmes;,
  • Economic evaluations of social determinants of health;
  • The role of pricing and taxation in influencing health behaviours;
  • The impact of health inequalities on economic productivity;
  • The development of innovative financing mechanisms for health promotion initiatives.

This Special Issue aims to provide valuable insights for policymakers, practitioners, and researchers in their efforts to improve population health and reduce health inequities.

Dr. Alemayehu Desalegne Hailu
Dr. Lumbwe Chola
Dr. Olufunke A. Alaba
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2500 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • health economics
  • health promotion
  • health equity
  • health disparities
  • cost-effectiveness analysis
  • social determinants of health
  • economic evaluation
  • health inequalities
  • pricing and taxation
  • health behaviours
  • financing mechanisms

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Published Papers (3 papers)

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Research

15 pages, 821 KB  
Article
Essential Medicines Availability, Pricing, and Stock-Outs for Hypertension and Diabetes in Private Retail Pharmacies in Zimbabwe
by Laston Gonah, Sibusiso Cyprian Nomatshila, Sikhumbuzo Advisor Mabunda and Wilson Wezile Chitha
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2026, 23(2), 215; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph23020215 - 9 Feb 2026
Viewed by 1011
Abstract
Background: Access to affordable essential medicines is critical for effective management of hypertension (HTN) and diabetes mellitus (DM). In Zimbabwe, frequent stock-outs in public facilities position private pharmacies as important alternative sources of these medicines. Aim: To assess availability, pricing, and stock-out [...] Read more.
Background: Access to affordable essential medicines is critical for effective management of hypertension (HTN) and diabetes mellitus (DM). In Zimbabwe, frequent stock-outs in public facilities position private pharmacies as important alternative sources of these medicines. Aim: To assess availability, pricing, and stock-out levels of essential HTN and DM medicines in private retail pharmacies in Gweru Urban District, Zimbabwe. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in 40 registered private pharmacies. Data on medicine availability, retail prices, monthly stock-outs, and supply-chain factors were collected using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire, stock cards, and observational checklists. Local prices were compared with international reference prices (IRPs). Chi-square analyses evaluated associations between pharmacy characteristics, medicine prices, availability, and stock-out durations. Results: Most tracer medicines for HTN and DM were available in ≥80% of pharmacies, with average stock-outs generally <3 days per month. Pharmacy characteristics were not significantly associated with availability or stock-outs. Medicines with <80% availability and those priced at ≥USD 5 were significantly associated with prolonged stock-outs of ≥7 days (p = 0.006 and p = 0.001, respectively). Local retail prices exceeded IRPs and public facility prices, suggesting potential affordability barriers in the context of an economic crisis, where most health expenditures are out-of-pocket. Key drivers of stock-outs included wholesaler shortages, delivery delays, limited procurement funds, and substitution with alternative medicines. Conclusions: While medicine availability and short-term stock-outs were generally favourable, high retail prices pose a major potential barrier to access. The cost burden is amplified by the common HTN-DM comorbidity, requiring multiple medications per person, thereby further increasing out-of-pocket expenses. High prices may limit adherence, reduce functional capacity, and negatively impact productivity. Policy interventions targeting pricing regulations and value-chain optimization are urgently needed to enhance equitable access to essential NCD medicines in urban Zimbabwe. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health Economics Perspectives on Health Promotion and Health Equity)
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10 pages, 1006 KB  
Article
U.S. Federal and State Medicaid Spending: Health Policy Patterns by Political Party Leadership and Census Demographics
by Jamaji C. Nwanaji-Enwerem and Pamaji Nwanaji-Enwerem
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2025, 22(7), 1074; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph22071074 - 4 Jul 2025
Viewed by 2952
Abstract
Medicaid is a vital public health program, serving over 70 million Americans from many backgrounds. Understanding how Medicaid spending varies by political leadership and demographic factors can inform policy discussions and advocacy efforts. We conducted a cross-sectional descriptive analysis of state Medicaid spending [...] Read more.
Medicaid is a vital public health program, serving over 70 million Americans from many backgrounds. Understanding how Medicaid spending varies by political leadership and demographic factors can inform policy discussions and advocacy efforts. We conducted a cross-sectional descriptive analysis of state Medicaid spending using publicly available data. Our findings show that individuals identifying as White comprise the largest single racial group of Medicaid beneficiaries both nationally and in most states. While the 2020 Census Diversity Index correlated strongly with total Medicaid spending, no significant association was found with per enrollee spending or the federal share of Medicaid funding. States led by Democrats had higher total Medicaid spending when compared to Republican-led states. However, Republican-led states received a larger proportion of federal Medicaid funding. Among political leadership levels, Senate representation showed the strongest relationship with Medicaid spending trends compared to gubernatorial leadership and presidential voting history. In conclusion, we demonstrate that Medicaid spending impacts all racial groups and both major political parties. However, funding structures and political representation reflect distinct spending patterns. Given the evolving demographic and political landscape, ongoing policy discussions should ensure that Medicaid remains a public health program that remains effective at safeguarding human health. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health Economics Perspectives on Health Promotion and Health Equity)
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14 pages, 291 KB  
Article
Economic Cost of Suicide Among Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) Migrants in Australia
by Humaira Maheen and Christopher M. Doran
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2025, 22(6), 892; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph22060892 - 3 Jun 2025
Viewed by 1851
Abstract
Background: Suicide and self-harm pose significant global public health challenges with substantial economic implications. Recent Australian evidence shows considerable variations in the prevalence of suicidal behaviours and mortality among culturally and ethnically diverse population groups. This study aims to estimate the associated economic [...] Read more.
Background: Suicide and self-harm pose significant global public health challenges with substantial economic implications. Recent Australian evidence shows considerable variations in the prevalence of suicidal behaviours and mortality among culturally and ethnically diverse population groups. This study aims to estimate the associated economic cost of suicide among culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) migrants in Australia. Methods: We evaluated the economic impact of suicide by considering the years of life lost, years of productive life lost, and overall economic costs, including direct, indirect, and intangible costs. We used data on suicide deaths in 2020 from the National Coronial Information System. Results: The estimated economic cost associated with 346 suicide deaths among CALD migrants is $2.9 billion (Australian dollars), with an average cost per fatality equivalent to $8.47 million. This estimate varies in the sensitivity analysis from $1.9 billion to $3.9 billion, depending on the average age of fatality, with corresponding average costs of $5.59 million to $11.35 million, respectively. These estimates do not capture costs associated with suicidal behaviours, which may substantially increase the economic burden. Conclusions: The significant economic impacts of CALD migrants’ suicide in Australia highlight the urgent need for a comprehensive national suicide prevention programme tailored for CALD migrant populations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health Economics Perspectives on Health Promotion and Health Equity)
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