Willingness to pay for medical treatments in chronic diseases: a multicountry survey of patients and physicians

Summary

Aim: The objective was to investigate factors influencing patients’ willingness to pay (WTP) and physician’s views on the cost of therapy for two contrasted chronic diseases, chronic heart failure and psoriasis. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in ten developing countries, using a stated WTP contingent valuation method. Multivariate analyses were performed by linear regression. Results: Independent factors influencing patient WTP were income (+0.04 $PPP [purchasing power parity] in WTP per $PPP in monthly income; p < 0.001) and purchase of branded treatment for chronic heart failure therapy, and income, out-of-pocket treatment costs but also education level higher than secondary school (+115 $PPP in WTP comparatively to patients with none/primary school level; p = 0.008) for psoriasis therapy, suggesting the influence of sociopsychological factors in this disease. Conclusion: Disease-specific factors may affect WTP for treatment that should be accounted for to support effective public health programs in developing countries.