Sociopolitical values, sociodemographic factors, and willingness to pay higher taxes to improve public healthcare in Turkey

Abstract

ObjectivesHealthcare systems' reliance on taxes varies across countries with corresponding heterogeneity in public's willingness to pay taxes (WTP) for national healthcare provision. Turkey, a developing country that witnessed a major healthcare transformation, provides a unique context to understand what motivates WTP in a non-Western context. Study designThis is a cross-sectional study. MethodsWe used the data from the International Social Survey Programme module on health and healthcare in Turkey. The data were collected from a nationally representative sample of adults aged >18 years (n = 1559). Using logistic regression models, we examine the association of sociopolitical values and sociodemographic factors with individuals' WTP to improve public healthcare. ResultsWe find that sociopolitical values are more closely associated to the WTP in Turkey compared with sociodemographic factors. However, egalitarianism and humanitarianism were differentially linked to the WTP. Humanitarianism was positively associated, whereas egalitarianism was negatively associated with WTP. ConclusionsThis study shows the prevalence of value-based approach to healthcare provision support in a developing country in the height of healthcare reforms.