The Disparities in the Willingness to Pay for Health Benefits Between Prevention and Treatment Among Patients With Chronic Diseases in Saudi Arabia

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to assess whether there is a disparity in the willingness to pay (WTP) for health benefits between prevention and treatment among patients with chronic diseases in Saudi Arabia.

METHODS: This cross-sectional study used a web-based survey to collect data from Saudi patients with chronic illnesses. The data collection period was March 22 to September 25, 2023. WTP was analyzed as a continuous variable using a two-part regression model. Interval regressions identified the WTP predictors.

RESULTS: Research has shown that individuals often exhibit a lower propensity to allocate funds towards preventive measures than to treatment. Nevertheless, those who are inclined to invest in medical care often have a greater propensity to spend than their inclination towards preventive measures. The observed impact was much greater, with individuals demonstrating a willingness to spend around 73% higher costs on treatment compared to prevention, on average. Urban residents who were employed, had greater levels of education, and lacked health insurance were more inclined to pay a higher price for treatment services than for preventive services.

CONCLUSIONS: Research has shown that individuals often exhibit a lower propensity to allocate funds towards preventive measures than to treatment. This research highlights the need to create specific interventions to enhance the adoption of preventive services across diverse demographic chronic condition groups in Saudi Arabia.