Introduction  

In view of the serious health risks and high costs to the health care system of tobacco consumption, getting young people to avoid smoking is an important element of preventive health care. The aim of this study was to give an overview of the scientific literature on cost-effectiveness in smoking preventive interventions within this age group.

Methods  

A literature search was conducted in publicly available databases.

Results  

Eight studies confirming the cost-effectiveness of those programmes were identified. These publications evaluate behaviour-based as well as environment-related interventions. Depending on the specific measures used, the results varied enormously. Nevertheless, in most scenarios the cost-effectiveness was favourable with less than 20,000 euros per life year gained (LYG) or quality-adjusted life year (QALY). In the long-term perspective some studies estimate significant cost savings from a societal perspective.

Conclusion  

According to the available evidence, the authors assume that smoking prevention in adolescents is cost-effective. Due to the small number of comparable studies, there is a lack of reliable evidence regarding the economic aspects of primary tobacco prevention.