Willingness to pay per quality-adjusted life year among inpatient colorectal cancer patients treated at Xuyen A General Hospital system 2022 - 2023

Abstract

Background: In Vietnam, colorectal cancer is one of the top five cancer types with the highest incidence rates. The concept of Willingness to Pay (WTP) is the estimated cost value that consumers are willing to pay for the health benefits received and ranges from 1 to 3 times the average GDP per capita. Objective: This study aimed to assess the WTP threshold among inpatient colorectal cancer patients at Xuyen A General Hospital, providing vital insights for evaluating patients’ access to treatment methods and formulating appropriate healthcare policies. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on all inpatient colorectal cancer patients treated at Xuyen A General Hospital from August 2022 to February 2023. Results: The study revealed a male-to-female ratio of 1:1.3, with an average age of 54 years. About 40.1% had an educational level below high school, and 49.2% were farmers or laborers. Additionally, 77.2% were of the Kinh ethnic group, and 97% had no religious affiliation. Approximately 24.9% of patients were diagnosed at stage 2. The study identified a positive correlation between the quality of life assessed using EQ-5D-5L with statistical significance (Sig < 0.05). The highest WTP threshold was found in the age group < 33 years (74,571,428.6 VND), and the lowest was in the age group > 66 years (18,985,294.1 VND). Conclusion: Factors influencing the WTP threshold encompass educational level, personal income, and household income (p < 0.05). Understanding these factors is crucial in developing strategies to enhance affordability and accessibility to colorectal cancer treatments in the Vietnamese context. Key words: Willingness to Pay per Quality-Adjusted Life Year, colorectal cancer, Xuyen A General Hospital.