Stated preferences for the removal of physical pain resulting from permanently disabling occupational injuries. A contingent valuation study of Taiwan.
Within the process of calculating the true costs of illness, physical pain is a component of intangible, or human, costs. One method of estimating the monetary value of such costs is the 'contingent valuation method' (CVM), a stated preference method based upon the elicitation of levels of willingness to pay (WTP) facilitated through surveys. This study is amongst the first of its kind to apply CVM to the estimation of the cost of the removal of physical pain resulting from permanently disabling occupational injuries. We assume that a painkilling drug has been invented to mitigate physical pain with the advantages of validity and instantaneity, and without any side effects. The WTP of each of the respondents is determined by a two-step sequential-bidding process. The maximum WTP under log normal distribution was NT 1791 US dollars/day (65.1 US dollars), whilst under Weibull distribution it was NT 1913 US dollars/day (69.6 US dollars). Older respondents, those with higher household income, fall injuries, longer periods of hospitalization, or with a perceived demand for the painkilling drug in excess of one day, displayed a positive independent effect on the eliciting of their WTP. In addition, respondents with higher 'out-of-pocket' expenses, or where the interview took place 2 years or more after the injury occurred, responded with a lower WTP.
Ho
Jiune-Jye
JJ
Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, Council of Labor Affairs, The Executive Yuan, No. 99, Lane 407, Henke Road, Sijhih City, Taipei County 221, Taiwan.
Liu
Jin-Tan
JT
Wang
Jung-Der
JD
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000700:Analgesics / Q000191:economics* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D017281:Cost of Illness; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D005260:Female; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000150:complications* / Q000191:economics*; D010146:Pain / Q000145:classification / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000191:economics* / Q000209:etiology*; D017060:Patient Satisfaction / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011306:Prescription Fees / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D013624:Taiwan
D000700:Analgesics