UNE researchers co-author study on obesity prevention policies in Maine

Michele Polacsek is one of the UNE co-authors for a study recently published in the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior
Michele Polacsek is one of the UNE co-authors for a study recently published in the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior

A study co-authored by Michele Polacsek, Ph.D., M.H.S., professor in the Public Health program, and Pamela Bruno, M.P.H., senior research associate in the Center for Excellence in Health Innovation, was recently published in the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior, a global resource for professionals with an interest in nutrition education. 

The study, titled “Cost-Effectiveness Analysis and Stakeholder Evaluation of 2 Obesity Prevention Policies in Maine, U.S.,” evaluates the potential cost-effectiveness of a sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) excise tax and a Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) policy that would not allow SSB purchases in Maine.

The study used a cost-effectiveness simulation model of the Maine population in 2015 combined with stakeholder interviews in Maine conducted from 2013 to 2017. Over 10 years, the SSB and SNAP policies were projected to reduce health care costs by $78.3 million and $15.3 million, respectively.

The study also examined stakeholder perspectives on the excise tax and SNAP policy. Stakeholders were more supportive of SSB taxes than the SNAP policy because of equity concerns associated with the SNAP policy.

The cost-effectiveness analysis provided evidence of potential health improvement and cost savings to state-level stakeholders weighing broader implementation considerations.

Pamela Bruno, senior research associate in the Center for Excellence in Health Innovation
Pamela Bruno, senior research associate in the Center for Excellence in Health Innovation

About the University of New England

The University of New England is Maine’s largest independent university, with two beautiful coastal campuses in Maine, a one-of-a-kind study abroad campus in Tangier, Morocco, and an array of flexible, accredited online degrees. In an uncommonly welcoming and supportive community, we offer hands-on learning, empowering students to make a positive impact in a world full of challenges. The state’s top provider of health professionals, we are home to Maine’s only medical college, Maine’s only dental college, a variety of other interprofessionally aligned health care degree programs, as well as nationally recognized programs for marine science degrees, natural and social sciences degrees, arts and humanities degrees, and business degrees.