Preventing HIV/AIDS among high-risk urban women: The cost-effectiveness of a behavioral group intervention

Objectives. A human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) intervention trial for women at high risk for acquired immunodeficiency syndrome and attending an urban clinic was reported previously. The behavioral group intervention was shown to increase condom use behaviors significantly. This study retrospectively assessed the intervention's cost-effectiveness. Methods. Standard methods of cost and cost-utility analysis were used. Results. The intervention cost was just over $2000 for each quality-adjusted life-year saved; this is favorable compared with other life-saving programs. However, the results are sensitive to changes in some model assumptions. Conclusions. Under most scenarios, the HIV prevention intervention was cost-effective.