Assessing willingness to pay for HIV vaccines in Vietnam: A contingent valuation method study

生态保护价值的距离衰减性——以三江平原湿地为例

Stated preference method is usually used to evaluate the non-market value of environmental goods which includes contingent valuation method (CVM) and choice experiments (CE). In this paper, stated preference method was adopted to evaluate the non-market value of Sanjiang Plain wetland. A willingness to pay (WTP) evaluation model of stated preference method was constructed based on the random utility theory. The average WTP of CVM and CE was obtained, respectively. The average WTP elicited by CE was 379 yuan per year, and the marginal WTPs of different selection properties including water conservation, wetland area, natural landscape and biodiversity were114.00, 72.55, 59.55 and 37.09 yuan per year, respectively. Meanwhile, the average WTP elicited by CVM was 134 yuan per year. The influence of factors on WTP was analyzed and reasons for protest responses were discussed. Results showed that the respondents' WTP elicited by CE was signi-ficantly higher than that by CVM, and respondents' socio-economic attitudes such as level of education and personal annual income had a significant positive impact on respondents' WTP. There were no significant difference in the reasons of protest responses between CVM and CE. Besides, respondents' multiple attributes and multiple levels analysis could be carried out by CE and the WTP of wetland's selection attributes could be calculated. Therefore, CE had the better ability of revealing respondents' preference information than CVM and its assessment results were more close to the actual value.

In pursuit of universal health coverage, many low- and middle-income countries are reforming their health financing systems and introducing health insurance schemes. As part of these reforms, lawmakers in The Gambia enacted ‘The National Health Insurance Bill, 2021’. The Act will establish a National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) that pays for the cost of healthcare services for its members. This study assessed Gambians’ willingness to pay (WTP) for a NHIS. Using multistage sampling design with no replacement, head/co-head of households were presented with a hypothetical health insurance scheme from July to August 2020. Their WTP and factors influencing WTP were elicited using a contingent valuation method. Descriptive statistics were used to describe sample characteristics. Lopez-Feldman’s modified ordered probit model and linear regression were applied to estimate respondents’ WTP as well as identify factors that influence their WTP. More than 90% of the respondents—677 (94.4%) were willing to join and pay for the scheme. Half of these respondents—398 (58.8%) agreed to pay the first bid of US dollars (US$) 20.78 or Gambian dalasi (GMD) 1000. The average WTP was estimated at US$23.27 (GMD1119.82), whereas average maximum amount to pay was US$26.01 (GMD1251.16). Results of the two models together showed that gender, level of education and household income were statistically significant, with the latter showing negative influence on WTP. The study found that Gambians were largely receptive to the scheme and have stated their willingness to contribute. Our findings can inform policymakers in The Gambia and other sub-Saharan countries when establishing contribution rates and exemption criteria during social health insurance scheme implementation.

BackgroundThe prevention of disease burden and death through vaccination is one of the most cost-effective methods. Even though the Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) has significant public health problems in Ethiopia, there is no compulsory HBV vaccination program for adults and the vaccine's market value was not yet estimated in the Ethiopia context. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the willingness to pay (WTP) for the HBV vaccine and its associated factors among households in Bahir Dar City, northwest Ethiopia.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted among 620 households from March 1 to 30, 2020. A systematic random sampling technique was employed to select the required number of households. An interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect the necessary information. The contingent valuation method was conducted to measure WTP for the HBV vaccine. A Tobit regression model was employed to investigate significantly associated factors, and variables with a p-value of <0.05 were considered statistically significant.ResultsIn this study, 62.17% of households were willing to pay for the HBV vaccine with an average cost of ETB174.24 (US$5.25). Male household heads (P = 0.014), favorable attitude (P = 0.017), and good knowledge (P < 0.001) toward the vaccine were positively associated with WTP, whereas age (P < 0.001), single marital status (P = 0.012) and divorced/widowed (P = 0.018) marital status were negatively associated with WTP.ConclusionsOverall, most households were willing to pay for the HBV vaccine with an average demand of ETB174.24 (US$5.25). Therefore, a national-level HBV vaccine strategy should be designed considering the households' willingness to pay. In addition, working on attitudes and knowledge toward the vaccine could potentially increase the household's willingness to pay for the HBV vaccine.

PurposeEnhancing vaccine coverage among children is crucial to preventing the long-term consequences of dengue fever (DF) infections. This study aims to identify sociodemographic factors influencing parents’ willingness to pay (WTP) for future dengue vaccine products in Southeast Sulawesi.Materials and MethodsAn observational study design with a multicentred cross-sectional approach was employed, involving 510 parents participating in integrated health service activities (Posyandu) across 5 regencies/cities in Southeast Sulawesi. Data were collected using a modified questionnaire from previous studies, covering sociodemographic factors and WTP for the dengue vaccine. The questionnaire first asked about willingness to pay, followed by reasons if respondents were unwilling. Conversely, for respondents willing to pay, the contingent valuation method was applied, utilizing direct inquiries about the amount they were willing to pay. This involved a bidding technique followed by an open-ended question to determine the exact value respondents were willing to pay for the vaccine. The data were processed and analysed using IBM SPSS version 26. To identify the factors influencing WTP for the vaccine, a χ2 test was conducted using IBM SPSS version 26.ResultsThe average WTP among parents was IDR 134,686 (USD 8.27), which decreased to IDR 108,108 (USD 6.64) when government subsidies were considered. Five factors significantly influenced the WTP for the vaccine: sex, education level, monthly income, previous experience with the disease, and prior knowledge of the dengue vaccine.ConclusionThe government and related health institutions need to improve public awareness and knowledge about DF and dengue vaccination.

This study aims to assess individuals' willingness to pay (WTP) for a human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) vaccine in Iran, focusing on key determinants influencing vaccine acceptance. Utilizing the contingent valuation method (CVM), we aim to provide insights into the economic and socio-cultural factors shaping WTP in Iran. We conducted face-to-face surveys with 468 participants in Tehran province using purposive sampling. We analyzed demographic characteristics, perspectives on HIV/AIDS, and financial considerations alongside participants' WTP. Statistical analyses, including maximum likelihood estimation, identified factors influencing WTP. Mean WTP values were calculated to quantify the economic valuation of an HIV vaccine. Higher education and monthly income significantly correlated with increased WTP, while gender, age, marital status, and health insurance showed no substantial impact. The mean WTP was 12,590.83 to 12,599.63 thousand Rials in different models, both showing statistically significant WTP values. Higher education and income levels are key determinants of WTP for an HIV vaccine in Iran. These findings provide valuable insights for policymakers to enhance vaccine accessibility and acceptance in Iran.

Willingness to pay for watershed conservation: are we applying the right paradigm?

Willingness to pay for public health services in rural Central Java, Indonesia: Methodological considerations when using the contingent valuation method

Environmental concern has been an important issue for a few decades, and the extent of consumer demand for eco-friendly consumption has been increased. This study seeks to investigate consumers` willingness to pay (WTP) a premium for eco-friendly cosmetics. This study evaluates how much more a consumer is willing to pay for eco-friendly cosmetics and examines significant factors influencing consumers` WTP for eco-friendly cosmetics. Consumers` WTP is measured using four different ecofriendly cosmetics: low-priced skin care cosmetics, low-priced makeup cosmetics, high-priced skin care cosmetics, and high-priced makeup cosmetics. This study uses the contingent valuation method (CVM) to estimate consumer`s WTP for eco-friendly cosmetics. Survey questions were designed using both dichotomous choice and payment card method of CVM. Through face to face interviews and on-line surveys, the data were collected from women between 20 and 49 years old residing in Seoul and Kyeonggi area, Korea, in May 2010. A total of 226 questionnaires (132 from interviews and 94 from on-line) were included for the analytical sample in this study. The data were analyzed using descriptive analysis, T-test and Log-Logit analysis. The findings are as follows: First, the WTP measured by dichotomous choice method was estimated using the Log-Logit analysis. The results showed that the estimated WTP for low-priced skin care cosmetics was 19,152 won, which was 27.7% higher than the reference price, 15,000 won. For low-priced makeup cosmetics, the estimated WTP was 18,524 won, and its green premium was 21.0%. The estimated WTP for high-priced skin care cosmetics was 59,128 won, which was 18.3% higher than the reference price, 50,000 won. For high-priced makeup cosmetics was 57,666 won, and its green premium was 15.3%. Second, the WTP measure by payment card method was estimated using descriptive analysis. The results showed that the respondents were willing to pay 17,955 won for low-priced skin care cosmetics, which was 19.7% higher than the reference price, 15,000 won and 17,595 won for low-priced makeup cosmetics, which was 17.3% higher than the reference price. For high-priced skin care cosmetics, the average WTP was 56,950 won which was 13.9% higher than the reference price, 50,000 won. For high-priced makeup cosmetics, the average WTP was 55,650 won, which was 11.3% higher than the reference price. Overall, the WTP was higher in order of low-priced skin care, low-priced makeup, high-priced skin care, and high-priced makeup. It means that consumers decide degree of premium based on the price and the attributes of eco-friendly products. Third, the findings showed that age, monthly income, and having children or not were statistically significant factors that influenced consumers` willingness to pay for eco-friendly cosmetics. Other explanatory variables such as education, marital status, job, purchase experience of eco-friendly products, and environmental concerns did not show any statistical significance. The major contribution of this study is the investigation of the value of green attributes of the products by using CVM. Unlike most previous researches, this research used two methods of CVM, the dichotomous choice and the payment card, so it enhanced the reliability of research. According to this study, consumers showed price sensitivity when they pay green premium. These findings can be used as useful information to establish marketing strategies for green cosmetics.

BackgroundHealth-care workers (HCWs) are among the highest risk groups for COVID-19 infection. The vaccine is found to be vital for HCWs, their household contacts, and their patients to protect against COVID-19 infection and maintain the safety of health systems. The actual willingness to pay for COVID-19 vaccination and associated factors remain uncertain among health-care workers in Ethiopia. Therefore, studying health-care workers’ willingness to pay (WTP) for COVID-19 vaccination helps to have an insight on valuation of the vaccine.MethodsInstitution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 403 randomly selected health-care workers working in health facilities in eastern Ethiopia from February 3 to March 20, 2021. Pretested structured questionnaire was used to collect data. Binary logistic regression analysis was fitted to test the associations between outcome and explanatory variables. A p-value of <0.05 with 95% confidence interval was used to declare statistical significance.ResultsThe magnitude of willingness to pay for a COVID-19 vaccine was 42.8%. The median amounts of money respondents willing to pay was 400 ETB (US$ 10.04). Sex (male, AOR = 2.33; 95% CI: 1.39, 3.93), monthly income (>7000 ETB, AOR = 1.22; 95% CI: 1.11, 2.51), affordability (AOR = 1.99; 95% CI: 1.18, 3.35), fear of side effects (AOR = 3.75; 95% CI: 2.13, 6.60), support vaccinations (AOR = 2.97; 95% CI: 1.65, 5.35), the likelihood of getting COVID-19 infection (AOR = 2.11; 95% CI: 1.26, 3.52) were independent determinants of WTP for a COVID-19 vaccine.ConclusionHealth-care workers’ willingness to pay for COVID-19 vaccination was found to be low. Detailed health education and training about COVID-19 vaccines are required regarding their side effects, and efficacy to make an informed decision to enhance the willingness to pay for the vaccine. Moreover, the government should consider providing COVID vaccines free of charge for low-income groups and at an affordable price for those who could pay.

Cross-sectional data was used that was collected from 181 households in 2011/2012, to estimate households’ willingness to pay for improved water service in Nebelet. The probit model was used to identify socio-economic factors that affect the willingness to pay (WTP) of households. Interruption, delay in maintenance, irregular/erratic availability of the public water supply, the price charged per unit, the unequal treatment households face while collecting water at the public supply were found to be the pressing water problem existing in the study area. The descriptive analysis result showed that 96% of the sample households were willing to pay for the provision of improved water service. The Probit model showed that income, distance, water expense, bid, education, level of existing water satisfaction, marital status and sex were associated with households’ willingness to pay for the provision of improved water services. Indicating, in designing water project/policy socio-economic factors (such as age, monthly income, educational level) should be considered for successful water project/policy at household level. Key words: Existing water problem, contingent valuation method, improved water provision.

South Sulawesi Province has many interesting tourist destinations to be visited by local and foreign tourists which present lots of beautiful oceans, mountainous nature, local wisdom, customs, traditions, and culinary tourism. Tourism is one of the affairs that can be managed by the Regional Government. This is the main reason researchers are interested in analyzing the valuation of the economic value of Rammang-Rammang in Maros Regency. This research is quantitative research with a survey method, namely conducting field observations and direct interviews with respondents using questionnaires as a data collection tool which is then analyzed quantitatively. The economic value of the rammang-rammang natural tourist attraction for the Environmental Services Produced is based on Direct Use Value (use value) as measured by the Travel Cost Method (TCM) approach for Domestic Visitors totaling 49,979 people in 2022, namely IDR. 65,228,992,312,- Per Year, with an Average Travel Cost (ATC) for Respondents of IDR. 1,305,128,- / Person Per Visit. The economic value of the rammang-rammang natural tourist attraction for the environmental services produced based on non-use value is measured using the Contingent Valuation Method (CVM) by asking about visitors' willingness to pay (Willingness to Pay) voluntarily. Domestic, totaling 49,979 people in 2022, which is Rp. 5. 968,558,819,- Per Year, with an Average Willingness to Pay Value of Respondents of IDR. 122,564,-/person Per Visit. Total Economic Value of the rammang-rammang natural tourist attraction for the Environmental Services produced based on the Direct Use Value (use value) measured using the Travel Cost Approach (Travel Cost Method, TCM) and Non-Use Value (Nonuse value) measured using the method ( Contingent Valuation Method, CVM) by asking individuals' willingness to pay voluntarily for domestic visitors totaling 49,979 people in 2022, namely IDR. 71,197,551,130.7,- Per Year. Potential Revenue Amount for Plastering Rammang-Rammang Natural Tourism Objects based on Voluntary Willingness to Pay (WTP) of visitors for Domestic visitors in 2022, totaling 49,979 people excluding the Entry Price (HTM), which is IDR. 71,197,551,130.7,- Per Year. If it coincides, the number of domestic visitors in 2023 will be 40,551 people, based on the average value of domestic visitors in 2021-2022, then the value of willingness to pay domestic visitors voluntarily to participate in preserving nature in 2023 will be IDR. 4,842,654,488,- Per Year, excluding Entry Ticket Price (HTP)

Tourists’ willingness to pay for biodiversity conservation and environment protection, Dalai Lake protected area: Implications for entrance fee and sustainable management

The aim of the paper is to estimate and assess residents' willingness to pay to improve air quality in the urban area of Beijing using the Contingent Valuation Method (CVM). The mean willingness to pay (WTP) for a 50% reduction of harmful substances in the air was 143 CNY per household per year, and the total WTP of the residents in the study area was 336 million CNY per year. As a proportion of household annual income, the mean WTP amounted to 0.7%. Four socio-economic variables were found to have significant impacts on residents' willingness to pay. The analysis results illustrated that WTP increases with income and education level, and decreases with household population and age. The willingness was larger for residents in the urban districts than those in the suburban districts. It was found that most of the protest bids lay on interviewees' incomplete perception of the values of environmental amenity. The influence of household income on people's willingness to pay illustrated in this study reflects a causal force of Beijing's transition to market economy that households created to have disposable income are more likely to care about environmental quality. The results of this study strike an optimistic note on the possibility of measuring the total economic value of environmental quality improvement by using the CVM in China. Suggestions on implication of the CVM for both academics and policy makers are provided in the paper.

The Malaysian public healthcare system is tax funded, with healthcare costs highly subsidized by the Government. The current health financing is not sustainable to cover all the healthcare resources. Introducing a national health insurance (NHI), a prepayment method, would protect the population from financial hardship by reducing out-of-pocket payment, minimizing the barrier to accessing health and achieving equitable healthcare. Studies on the willingness to pay (WTP) for NHI are available in different contexts; however, little was found in Malaysia. In addition, factors affecting the WTP for NHI have been less researched in the Malaysian context. This study investigates the WTP for NHI and factors influencing it in Melaka, Malaysia. Using the contingent valuation method, the researchers distributed a pre-tested self-administered questionnaire to 489 respondents in three leading public hospitals from 1 to 9 November 2019. Multi-stage sampling forms the selection of respondents. Respondents were presented with a hypothetical scenario on NHI and asked whether they would be willing to pay for NHI. Chi-square was used to examine the association between categorical independent variables and WTP for NHI, and binary logistic regression was applied to determine the variables with the most predictive effect towards WTP for NHI. Out of 462 usable responses, 344 respondents (74.5%) were willing to pay for NHI. The majority (51.3%) of the respondents were willing to pay 15 Malaysian Ringgit (3.70 US dollars) or more for the NHI scheme. Chi-square analysis revealed that age, marital status, education level, employment status, chronic diseases, and perception towards NHI were significantly associated with WTP for NHI. Binary regression analysis found that marital status and perception towards NHI have the most predictive effect on respondents' WTP for NHI. This study revealed that the majority of the respondents are willing to pay for NHI if implemented in Malaysia. The findings lay a foundation for implementing a future NHI framework in Malaysia and reference future health financing research.