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To investigate the demand for 5G in Germany, we applied the Van Westendorp Method (VWM) to measure willingness to pay (WTP) and price sensitivity (N = 504). The results show that more than half already own a 5G smartphone and these customers are less price sensitive. The accepted price range for the monthly 5G surcharge ranges between 10.00 and 15.40 Euros. Two thirds want more transparency in 5G pricing, while price is the most crucial factor (4.2/5.0), followed by data volume (4.1/5.0) and network operator/coverage (4.0/5.0). The results are particularly interesting for providers as the target group for 5G is quite diverse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The primary objective of this research is to investigate and quantify how consumers' preference on name brand essential products has changed during the COVID period and beyond as characterized by their marginal willingness to pay for such brands over private labels. Based on existing theories, it is hypothesized that consumers' preference on name brand essential products has been weakened, and there is a shift of preference from name brand products to private label products either before the pandemic, during the COVID-19 pandemic and after the pandemic in the years of 2021 and 2022. We use sales data from a Dutch grocery chain to conduct empirical data analysis using a proposed discrete choice model on several essential product categories. The analysis supports the conjectural shift of preference from name brand products to private label products, which indicates unique growth opportunities and pricing power for private label products in the post-COVID era. These insights provide valuable theoretical and practical implications for retail business practitioners and name brand manufacturers, particularly in inventory planning and pricing strategy of both name brand products and private label products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research used open-ended, single-bonded, and double-bounded dichotomous choice questions to determine consumer willingness to pay for chicken free of antibiotics in Yazd. 525 questionnaires were filled out as part of an in-store survey in June 2018 to gather the necessary data. This study's highlights include validating the fundamental hypotheses of the Tobit model for open-ended questions as well as using the best bid vector and a cheap talk script to lessen the bias in the contingent valuation method's findings for dichotomous questions. The findings demonstrated that, based on the open-ended question, the projected and actual proportion of people who would be prepared to pay extra for the characteristic of being antibiotic-free is more than 21%. Besides, the average willingness to surplus payment per kilogram of antibiotic-free chicken meat compared to conventional chicken meat for double-bounded, and single-bonded methods is 20% and 18%, respectively. According to the findings of several models' estimates, socioeconomic factors including household size, income, and socioeconomic characteristics like the age and education of the head of the household all significantly influenced consumers' willingness to pay for chicken meat free of antibiotics. The willingness to purchase chicken meat devoid of antibiotics reveals that people are concerned about the security and welfare of the chicken meat. This could be an opportunity to develop manufacturing and processing industries to provide products with desired characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using primary data from 180 cocoa farmers in Osun State, Nigeria, the study defined the externalities associated with cocoa production, evaluated farmers' willingness to pay for externalities and identified the determinants impacting farmers' willingness to pay for externalities in cocoa production. To analyze the demographic traits of the sampled farmers in the research area, descriptive statistics were used. Farmers' willingness to pay for externalities and the price they are willing to pay for them were estimated using the double-hurdle model. The findings showed that the majority of the examined farmers were able to name externalities brought on by pesticide leaching and bad odor, but very few of them could name externalities brought on by fermentation. For pesticides leaking, offensive odor and fermentation externalities, the average projected amount farmers were willing to pay per kg of cocoa is 60, 81 and 54 k, respectively. The findings also indicated that a variety of explanatory factors, including age, household size, years of schooling, farming experience, participation in farmers' associations, farm size and income from cocoa farms, had an impact on farmers' decisions to pay for the identified externalities. According to the study's findings, producers were willing to spend an estimated average of 140.54 k per kilogram of cocoa produced in order to compensate for the externalities. Therefore, if conveyed through market mechanisms, the hidden costs and benefits resulting from identified externalities could lead to efficiency in the price of cocoa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to analyze the carrying capacity of Curug Cimarinjung and Puncak Darma using the Douglass method and the willingness to pay for conservation fees using the Contingent Valuation Method Respondents to the research were 150 tourists and several tourism managers. Curug Cimarinjung can accommodate as many as 184 people day-1, and the Puncak Darma as many as 118 people day-1. Tourists who were willing to pay for conservation fees comprised 78% of the total respondents with a one-time payment mechanism through an entrance ticket. In total of 39.39% of respondents were not willing to pay as they believed that it was the responsibility of the government. The conservation costs were IDR 10,000 for Curug Cimarinjung and IDR 5,000 for Puncak Darma. The difference in conservation costs was because the attractiveness of the attractions in the two tourist spots varied, thus affecting the number of tourists and the nominal amount that tourists were willing to pay. If the tariff was adjusted according to the average Willingness to Pay, an entry fee at Cimarinjung Waterfall would have been charged, which was initially IDR 5,000 per person, would have been IDR 15,000 per person, while at Puncak Darma it would have been IDR 3,000 per person to IDR 8,000 per person. Determining ticket prices that had been adjusted to the average Willingness to Pay could control the number of visits so that they did not exceed capacity and did not disturb biodiversity conservation. In such conditions, tourists could carry out tourist activities comfortably and safely. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Reducing carbon emissions in agriculture is vital for fostering sustainable agricultural growth and promoting ecological well-being in rural areas. The adoption of Low-Carbon Agriculture (LCA) by farmers holds great potential to accomplish substantial reductions in carbon emissions. The purpose of this study is to explore the farmers' preference and willingness to engage in LCA. Design/methodology/approach: This study employs the Choice Experiment (CE) method to examine farmers' preferences and willingness to adopt LCA, using field survey data of 544 rural farmers in the Weihe River Basin between June and July 2023. We further investigate differences in willingness to pay (WTP) and personal characteristics among different farmer categories. Findings: The empirical results reveal that farmers prioritize government-led initiatives providing pertinent technical training as a key aspect of the LCA program. Farmers' decisions to participate in LCA are influenced by factors including age, gender, education and the proportion of farm income in household income, with their evaluations further shaped by subjective attitudes and habits. Notably, we discovered that nearly half of the farmers exhibit indifference towards LCA attributes. Originality/value: To the best of the authors' knowledge, this study is the first to investigate farmers' attitudes toward LCA from their own perspectives and to analyze the factors influencing them from both subjective and objective standpoints. This study presents a fresh perspective for advocating LCA, bolstering rural ecology and nurturing sustainable development in developing nations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this paper is to investigate the relevance of sustainable product attributes as compared to ongoing costs and risk–return profiles when individuals choose funds underlying unit-linked life insurances. Regarding sustainability attributes, we focus on the product classification according to the Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation as a European regulatory transparency standard, and on sustainable investment strategies. We conduct two choice-based conjoint analyses using a German panel for unit-linked life insurances as well as fund savings plans as a financial product comparison. We estimate the relative importance, part-worth utilities, and the marginal willingness to pay for changes in product attributes. Our results suggest that private investors of unit-linked life insurances value sustainable product attributes and that they result in a slightly higher marginal willingness to pay, but risk–return indicators and especially ongoing costs are currently more relevant. We find further indications that sustainability attributes are less relevant in the setting of a unit-linked life insurance as compared to a fund savings plans setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reuse of wastewater is a promising response to water scarcity. For peri-urban areas served by decentralized wastewater treatment plants, the delivery of treated wastewater to the households may be a viable option to promote reuse on a larger scale. Based on a case study in Eastern India, this paper explores if households would accept recycled water for non-potable purposes and if they would pay for it. While the respondents to household surveys had very positive views about recycling, they were not willing to pay much, even if they were from a middle-income class and could afford more. A closer analysis of the attitudes towards recycling indicated knowledge gaps about the risks and advantages of using recycled water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

How to help children develop good health habits and improve people's health to eventually promote the quality of labour productivity are important issues for developing countries. Understanding how consumers adopt and demand new health products can also help governments or non‐governmental organizations design more effective interventions. This study utilizes surveys and randomized field experiments conducted in a rural village in China to study the impact of oral health promotion education on children's demand for dental floss picks and their health behaviour. Our results show that children are highly sensitive to price. Children who were exposed to the oral health promotion intervention—learning to sing the oral health song—were willing to pay more for dental floss picks, but the actual quantity bought in the experiment was not significantly higher than that in the control group. In a follow‐up survey, we find that subjects increased their frequency of toothbrushing on average, but the spillover effects were not as strong as those in the literature. More risk‐loving subjects reported a higher willingness to pay during the experiment, but they were less likely to tell their family about the product during the camp or try to buy floss picks after the camp. This finding helps reconcile disparate results about risk preference in earlier literature. Lastly, we find no evidence that time preference affects demand or health behaviour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While the incidence of cervical cancer has dropped in high‐income countries due to organized cytology‐based screening programs, it remains the leading cause of cancer death among women in Eastern Africa. Therefore, the World Health Organization (WHO) now urges providers to transition from widely prevalent but low‐performance visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA) screening to primary human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA testing. Due to high HPV prevalence, effective triage tests are needed to identify those lesions likely to progress and so avoid over‐treatment. To identify the optimal cost‐effective strategy, we compared the VIA screen‐and‐treat approach to primary HPV DNA testing with p16/Ki67 dual‐stain cytology or VIA as triage. We used a Markov model to calculate the budget impact of each strategy with incremental quality‐adjusted life years and incremental cost‐effectiveness ratios (ICER) as the main outcome. Deterministic cost‐effectiveness analyses show that the screen‐and‐treat approach is highly cost‐effective (ICER 2469 Int$), while screen, triage, and treat with dual staining is the most effective with favorable ICER than triage with VIA (ICER 9943 Int$ compared with 13,177 Int$). One‐way sensitivity analyses show that the results are most sensitive to discounting, VIA performance, and test prices. In the probabilistic sensitivity analyses, the triage option using dual stain is the optimal choice above a willingness to pay threshold of 7115 Int$ being cost‐effective as per WHO standards. The result of our analysis favors the use of dual staining over VIA as triage in HPV‐positive women and portends future opportunities and necessary research to improve the coverage and acceptability of cervical cancer screening programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: HPV vaccination is the key measure to prevent cervical cancer, but uptake in China lags behind global targets. Understanding Chinese guardians' preferences is key to improving vaccine acceptance and coverage. Methods: A nationwide online discrete choice experiment survey was conducted among 4933 Chinese guardians across seven provinces in 2022 to quantify preferences and willingness to pay. Attributes included effectiveness, safety, duration, valency, location, and out-of-pocket cost. Results: Out of the 4933 guardians who participated in the study, 4179 (84.72%) were mothers. More than 60% of the guardians belonged to the age group of 35–44 years. Additionally, over half of the respondents (53.15%) had daughters between the ages of 9 and 14 years. Respondents were open to accepting the HPV vaccine with 95% efficacy and exceptional safety. Guardians expressed a preference for longer protection duration (specifically 15 years (βa = 0.340, 95% CI: 0.31, 0.37)) and higher vaccine valency. As for willingness to pay, the respondents placed the highest value on vaccine efficacy, being willing to shell out more than USD 1100 for 95% protection as compared to 50%. Furthermore, very good safety commanded a premium of over USD 800 when compared to average safety. When it comes to willingness to uptake, a vaccine with 95% efficacy led to a more than 35% increase in acceptance as compared to one with 50% efficacy. Similarly, exceptional safety resulted in an increased willingness to uptake of over 25% when compared to average safety. Conclusions: The DCE highlighted effectiveness, safety, and durability as critical drivers of HPV vaccine acceptance, but substantial barriers persist regarding adolescent female coverage in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Every country in the world, except for African nations, faces significant challenges due to the increasing older population, with China being particularly affected. This issue is more pronounced in rural areas compared to urban centers. To better understand consumer attitudes and willingness to pay (WTP) for age-friendly retrofitting and to identify industry development shortcomings, this study designed a retrofitting scenario and organized a questionnaire survey to collect WTP and its influencing factors from respondents in the Wuhu area of Anhui Province, China. This study determined the retrofit cost to be CNY 12,224.4 and found that over 80% of respondents intended to pursue age-friendly retrofitting. The analysis results indicated that respondents' education level, perceived psychological benefits, and perceived social benefits were positively correlated with their WTP. Additionally, education level, monthly personal income, and choice of retirement area positively influenced retrofitting budgets, whereas age bracket, employment status, and perceived situational risk negatively influenced them. The study's findings will assist consumers in making informed retrofitting decisions and support the government in formulating appropriate policies to enhance the quality of rural residential environments and improve the living standards of the elderly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study explores the viability of incorporating more expensive organic wheat flour into speciality bakery products, which are of superior quality, thus justifying the higher cost. As consumers may be reluctant to purchase organic speciality baked goods due to unfavorable taste associations with organic foods, particularly those consumed as a treat or for pleasure, this study investigates the impact of providing taste assurances and origin information on consumer acceptance and WTP for organic speciality bakery products. Design/methodology/approach: Using data from an online survey of US consumers, random parameter logit models were estimated and willingness-to-pay (WTP) values were calculated. Findings: Study results show that the use of more expensive organic flour is justified for speciality bakery products when favorable taste assurances are provided or for consumers who value organic foods. Freshness indictors were only important in the case of speciality breads, but not for other products. Finally, improving consumer awareness of organic labeling standards does not significantly impact their organic product preferences or taste perceptions. Practical implications: This analysis aims to identify the product information likely to increase the consumption of organic speciality bakery/pastry products and thus support the incorporation of organic wheat flour into these higher-value products. Originality/value: While previous choice experiment studies have extensively examined consumer preferences for organic products, few have evaluated the impact of providing taste and freshness indicators, particularly in the context of vice goods. This study examines the impact of providing taste and freshness indicators on consumer acceptance and WTP for various organic speciality bakery/pastry products in stated choice experiments, where consumers to not have the option to taste the product. Specifically, we examine if taste and freshness assurances reduce potential negative organic product taste biases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Food safety is an issue of growing concern in many developing countries. Threats to food safety in Vietnam include contamination with toxic chemicals, microbiological hazards and adulterated food. To determine Vietnamese consumers' willingness to pay for food safety of pork and vegetables, a discrete choice experiment was employed in the cities of Hanoi and Haiphong. Principal factor analysis and mixed logit models reveal that urban consumers are, on average, willing to pay considerable price premiums for food safety attributes. On average, consumers are willing to pay a price premium of 244% for vegetables produced with the safe application of pesticides, 70% premium for pork processed in certified abattoirs that assure pork safety and 67% price premium for pork if the convenience attribute is satisfied. Regarding vegetables, there is considerable heterogeneity in the extent to which consumers are willing to pay for growth‐hormone‐free vegetables, depending on their education, and in perceptions towards food safety risks resulting from chemical hazards and foodborne illness in Vietnam. For pork, if consumers believe that contaminated food could cause life‐threatening risks for people, they are willing to pay up to 102% more than the current market price for hormone‐free and drug‐free pork. The factor representing consumers' trust in food safety influences their WTP for traceability and clean water attributes. Moreover, consumer's self‐health evaluation influenced their WTP for pork traceability. Almost all consumers prefer the convenience of being able to purchase vegetables and pork nearby. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The organic food market's rapid expansion necessitates an understanding of factors influencing consumer behavior. This paper investigates the impact of packaging colors on perceptions and willingness to pay (WTP) for organic foods, utilizing an experimental auction among university students. Drawing on previous research, we explore how colors influence perceived healthiness, premiumness, trust, and sustainability. The results indicate nuanced responses to different colors, emphasizing the need for businesses to adopt tailored packaging strategies. White and green dominate organic food packaging, aligning with associations of freshness and health. However, the study uncovers varied consumer responses, suggesting a more intricate relationship between color, trust, premiumness, and healthiness perceptions. Demographic factors such as age, gender, income, and residence areas influence WTP for organic foods with different colors, emphasizing the importance of diverse consumer segments in marketing strategies. Trust and perceived premiumness significantly influence WTP, highlighting their pivotal role in consumer valuation. The results highlight that green packaging builds trust among non-organic buyers, while organic buyers are influenced by a broader range of colors that emphasize premiumness and healthiness. The study concludes that businesses in the organic food market should carefully consider color choices in branding and packaging to effectively communicate product qualities and align with consumer values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Shelter forest systems in the sandy areas mainly comprise farmland shelter forests (FSF) and windbreak and sand-fixing forests (WSF). Through a questionnaire survey of farmers in the oasis–desert transition zone of the windy desert areas of the Hexi Corridor in China, a perception assessment model of farmers' perception of the status quo and ecosystem service function of shelter forests was constructed, and the willingness of farmers to pay for shelter forest construction and protection was measured. Influencing factors for the farmers' perception of shelter forests were analyzed by a multiple regression analysis. The results showed problems with pests and diseases all present in FSF and WSF, the destruction of farmland in FSF, and water scarcity in WSF. Farmers evaluated the ecological role of shelter forests as the most obvious in windbreak and sand fixation; intermediate in the four ecological roles of leisure and recreation, agricultural production, a sense of locality, and climate regulation; and the smallest in soil improvement. Nearly 95% of farmers are willing to donate funds to shelter forest construction and protection, and the average amount the farmers were willing to pay was CNY 54.30 per year. Willingness to pay, annual household income, gender, environmental experience, age, and interview area have significant effects on farmers' perception of shelter forests. Finally, in this paper, we recommend increasing motivation through government financial support and training for farmers to address pests and diseases, water security, and the destruction of farmland in shelter forests to ensure healthy and sustainable growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Balancing food production and biodiversity conservation is a big challenge around the world. Eco-friendly agriculture has the potential to overcome these challenges and achieve sustainability. Although some studies show the high valuation of flagship species (e.g., attractive birds and fish) in paddy land where eco-friendly rice is cultivated, limited research has been performed concerning non-specific species such as generalists inhabiting rice paddies that also contribute to agro-biodiversity and ecosystem services. Therefore, this study assesses the valuation of non-flagship vertebrates and invertebrates by applying a choice experiment to vertebrate- and invertebrate-friendly rice. To understand the spatial/regional heterogeneity of the valuation, a questionnaire survey was distributed to both urban and rural citizens in Japan. Our results demonstrated that almost all respondents expressed a desire to protect both vertebrates and invertebrates, with more appreciation for vertebrates than for invertebrates. The analysis also found regional heterogeneity between urban and rural areas in terms of vertebrate and invertebrate evaluations and purchasing intentions. Our findings indicate marketing potential in Japan to promote eco-friendly rice production in relation to vertebrate and invertebrate conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to develop an integrated conceptual framework to better understand the psychological pathways connecting consumer perceptions to purchasing intentions for premium sustainable products. Design/methodology/approach: The study develops a conceptual model that theorizes relationships between consumer perceptions of a firm's innovation, competitive advantage, sustainable practices and stakeholder orientation. It proposes that stakeholder orientation mediates the effects of these perceptions on consumers' willingness to purchase premium sustainable products. Additionally, lifestyle is hypothesized as a moderator. The model advances knowledge through eight testable propositions. Findings: The conceptual framework specifies indirect, mediated and moderated relationships that have not been fully captured by past literature. It theorizes that perceptions of a firm's innovation, competitive advantage from sustainable practices and stakeholder orientation indirectly influence purchase willingness through the mediating role of stakeholder orientation. Lifestyle is proposed to moderate these relationships. Originality/value: This conceptual model offers insights for cultivating consumer perceptions that strengthen a firm's stakeholder image and endorsement of premium sustainable products. Its validated theoretical lens and propositions can provide strategic guidance for addressing the challenges of higher price points for sustainable products through capturing psychological drivers of values-based decision-making. Future empirical assessment is recommended to validate the specified relationships in the model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transportation plays a central role in modern society, influencing both economic prosperity and quality of life. However, it also poses challenges, such as road safety, that require innovative solutions. The aim of this study is to evaluate the acceptance of mobile emergency notification applications as a road safety measure on Greek and European highways. Using a quantitative approach, an online questionnaire was distributed to 1002 Greek and foreign highway users. The study focused on identifying key factors influencing the effectiveness of these applications, with particular emphasis on users' willingness to pay for ad-free notifications. Results show that the most influential factors include the type of messages sent, willingness to pay for ad-free services, and preferred methods and frequency of receiving emergency notifications. These findings have implications for the design and implementation of more effective mobile alert systems for road safety.

Background and aims COVID-19 put healthcare systems around the world under significant pressure, and led to a global recession. In response, governments implemented aid programmes to stimulate their economies. This, along with the outbreak of war in Ukraine, complicated the economic situation. All of this may have ramifications on people’s access to essential healthcare services. This study aims to investigate the willingness to pay for healthcare among Saudi individuals at time of economic downturn.Methods Questionnaires were used to collect data from 600 individuals across six provinces of Riyadh City between December 2017 and January 2018. The data were elicited using a closed ended format. A probit regression and marginal effects analyses were used to analyze the data.Results and conclusion The results showed just over half the sample were willing to pay, suggesting that countries should give careful consideration to whether and when to involve people in financing healthcare services at time of economic turmoil. The results could be used by policymakers in decisions around funding allocation and priority setting.

ABSTRACTThis study examines attitudes and perceptions towards biodegradable disposable products, as well as the willingness to pay for them in the southern region of Jalisco. Surveys were conducted among residents to explore their consumption patterns and the reasons influencing their purchasing decisions. The results highlight that only one in three individuals in this region shows a preference for biodegradable disposables, with a stronger inclination among women and those with higher educational levels. Despite a general interest in environmental preservation and a willingness to adopt biodegradable products, these factors were found to have no significant impact on the final purchasing decision. These findings suggest that governmental initiatives to promote the adoption of biodegradable disposables have not yet achieved significant adherence among the local population. This study provides valuable insights into current challenges in adopting sustainable practices and emphasises the need for more effective strategies to drive changes in consumer behaviour in the region.

Abstract Background Breast cancer is the most common diagnosed disease, and the second leading cause of death among women. Thus, due to its importance, the current research is aimed at identifying the preferences of individuals for improving breast cancer screening programs and the related policies. Method A systematic search was applied on databases including - PubMed, Scopus, the Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane, SID- up to October 2022. The including articles were original or review papers that assessed individuals’ willingness to pay. Also, articles including the effective variables or attributes for breast cancer screening program were included. Meta-analysis was applied to calculate Willingness to Pay (WTP) as a mean for breast cancer screening followed by vote-counting for identifying the variables and attributes correlated with screening. Results A total of 721 articles were identified during the first phase. After the screening process, thirteen papers were chosen, out of which, nine assessed mammography as a breast cancer screening program. The results of random effect meta-analysis on the including studies indicated that the rate of willingness to pay for screening was 0.28% of GDP per capita (95%CI: 0.14–0.43), which was found to be statistically significant. The result of stratified meta- analysis indicated that the rate of willingness to pay for screening was 0.22% of GDP per capita (95%CI: 0.07–0.37), which was found to be statistically significant. Generally, income was the basic factor for receiving screening services, and cost was an effective attribute for participating in screening programs. Conclusions To increase women’s participation in breast cancer screening programs; it is essential to provide legitimate information and eliminate the barriers to women’s non-participation. Offering rapid tests at low costs in healthcare centers (both in terms of travel and screening time) delivered by female staff can lead to an increase in women’s willingness to participate in breast cancer screening programs.

Consumer and producer protection, rural development, preservation of rural culture, uniqueness, and product traceability are some of the characteristics that define quality schemes. Apart from the quality schemes of the European Union, there are national schemes, voluntary certifications at both national and international levels, offering consumers additional information on the quality characteristics of products. The study aimed to understand the level of knowledge of quality schemes, the buying intentions, and the willingness to pay for Telemea Cheese with quality certification label in Romania. Data collected via a questionnaire was analyzed using descriptive statistics and regression analysis. A moderate level of knowledge regarding the quality schemes was found among consumers of Telemea Cheese, with a higher percentage in the case of national quality labels. The presence of the quality certification label on the package of Telemea Cheese was more important as age increased (OR=1.135, p

Abstract Background The operationalization of universal health insurance in Burkina Faso represents a significant challenge for health coverage. The willingness of households to pay is a crucial aspect of the process. This highlights the necessity of examining the factors that may explain their willingness to pay. The objective of this study is to analyze the determinants of households’ willingness to pay for health insurance in Burkina Faso. Methods The data used in this study were collected between March and September 2017 in the territory of Burkina Faso, covering six administrative regions. A total of 211 households were surveyed, 71 in urban areas and 140 in rural areas. The Tobit model was employed to analyze the determinants of willingness to pay, with the contingent valuation method used to obtain willingness to pay. Results The results of the descriptive analysis indicate that households are willing to pay approximately 7,600 F CFA on average for health insurance. The estimation results demonstrate that income has a positive effect on households’ willingness to pay. Additionally, the occupation of the head of household and the insurance reimbursement rate are identified as determinants of willingness to pay. Conclusion The findings of this study indicate that income, the rate of repayment and the occupation of the head of household are the primary determinants of willingness to pay. In terms of implications, it is essential to ensure that the rate of protection is high, which could encourage households to pay the premium. Furthermore, the results of the evaluation suggest that interventions to increase household income may be beneficial.

Abstract Background Sustained financing for Universal Health Coverage (UHC) has been a concern for the Cameroon government. Household contributions have been considered as a financing mechanism, but this raises concerns on the willingness of households to pay for UHC. The current study assessed factors associated with the willingness to pay (WTP) for UHC in Cameroon. Methods Community based, cross-sectional analysis of data from households (selected via multi-stage, randomized, cluster sampling) across all ten regions of Cameroon, during July 2020. Factors associated with WTP for UHC were determined using a multinominal logistic regression model, tested at varying significance levels (1%, 5%, and 10%) to enhance its ability to detect meaningful and practical value associations. Results Overall, 5,014 households were surveyed, 64.3% and 35.6% from rural and urban areas respectively. Household heads were 40.2 ± 10.1 years old and mostly male (60.6%). Most surveyed households (72%) were willing to contribute for UHC. Amongst these willing households, WTP varied with the sex (females opted for lower payments) and educational level (those with ≥ high school education opted for contributions ≥ US$ 165.6 annually, p US$ 165.6 annually, p

Abstract Background Being a parent of a child with a disability requiring many clinic visits is burdensome. Therefore, understanding the willingness-to-pay (WTP) for physiotherapy for children with disability is important to facilitating access to care and for policy-making. This study aimed to investigate patterns and correlates of parental WTP for physiotherapy. Methods A total of 65 parents of children with disability receiving physiotherapy as outpatients were recruited from selected tertiary hospitals in Nigeria. A WTP questionnaire, SF-12 health survey, and Physiotherapy Satisfaction Questionnaire were used to assess the WTP, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), and satisfaction with physiotherapy respectively. Descriptive statistics of mean, standard deviation, frequency, and percentages were used to summarize the data. Chi-square and regression analysis were also used to test the association and determinants of WTP from each of the socio-demographic factors, satisfaction with physiotherapy, and health-related quality of life, respectively. Results A majority (49.2%) of the respondents were in the 21–35 years age category. There was 30.8% “no WTP” for physiotherapy among parents of children with disability. A significant association was observed between socio-economic status and WTP for all treatment modalities (p 0.05). Conclusion There was a high rate of ‘no WTP’ for physiotherapy among parents of children with disability. Level of satisfaction with physiotherapy and health-related quality of life was not significantly associated with parental WTP for physiotherapy.

Accelerating antiglobalization challenges previously undisputed assumptions about the importance of a product's globalness/localness in purchase decisions. Putting these assumptions to test, this article conceptualizes globalness/localness as a distinct product attribute and decomposes its utility into weight and preference components. Subsequently, it offers an equity-theory-based prediction of the attribute's declining relevance/trivialization and quantifies its trade-offs with other attributes by calculating global/local price premiums. Conjoint experiments in two countries (Austria and India) reveal that (1) emerging- (developed-) market consumers exhibit relative preference for global (local) products, (2) emerging-market consumers perceive higher preference inequity between global and local products than developed-market consumers, and (3) the corresponding inequity triggers consumers' cognitive inequity regulation (manifested through attribute trivialization in developed markets) and behavioral inequity regulation (manifested through asymmetrical willingness to pay for global/local products across developed/emerging markets). In addition, attribute trivialization and price premium tolerance are moderated by consumers' spatial identities and price segment. The findings contribute to the theoretical debate on the relevance of product globalness/localness in deglobalizing times and inform competitive strategies; segmentation, targeting, and positioning; and international pricing decisions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We analyze a Taiwanese theatre company's ticket sales from 2008 to 2012 to investigate whether a consumer's willingness to pay for a ticket was affected by the company's disclosure of sales information (sales outcome). Sales are stratified by price band in order to understand the unique demand of each price bracket. We hypothesize that the sales outcome of a price band has a positive effect on the willingness to pay for a ticket in that price band, but that effect from other price bands is negative. Our findings support this hypothesis using the historical data of ticket sales from a Taiwanese theater. We also find that the sales speed decreases when the length of selling period becomes longer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research aims to examine the influence of learning motivation based on environmental conditions, desire to work, and main desires. To achieve this, a quantitative research design was used, and a total of 500 students (101 boys and 399 girls) in Indonesia were selected as respondents using proportional random sampling techniques. Data collection was carried out using a learning motivation scale questionnaire. The results showed that students had a high level of motivation, with an average score of 50.8. The desire to work can be seen from hopes and dreams, as well as a conducive environment. It is known that external factors such as encouragement from others and involvement in activities have a greater influence with significance scores of 0.801 and 0.766 respectively. Meanwhile, appreciation and hopes or aspirations each received a score of 0.709 and 0.704. This implies that encouragement and activity can be integrated into the student's self. The research also shows that gender does not have a significant effect on the desire to learn. However, providing appropriate encouragement and rewards will increase students' willingness to learn, which can be maintained by educational institutions and parents and instill a desire for personal progress and development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We assess how investors' willingness-to-pay (WTP) for sustainable investments responds to the social impact of those investments, using a framed field experiment. While investors have a substantial WTP for sustainable investments, they do not pay significantly more for more impact. This also holds for dedicated impact investors. When investors compare several sustainable investments, their WTP responds to relative, but not to absolute, levels of impact. Regardless of investments' impact, investors experience positive emotions when choosing sustainable investments. Our findings suggest that the WTP for sustainable investments is primarily driven by an emotional, rather than a calculative, valuation of impact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increasing environmental awareness has propelled green marketing, integrating environmentally friendly aspects in product marketing to enhance value in the eyes of consumers. In a tourism village, this strategy can elevate perceived customer value and encourage consumers to pay more to support sustainable business practices. This study aims to analyze the influence of perceived customer value in mediating the effect of green marketing on willingness to pay for organic products in Green Tourism Village Bilebante. This research employs an associative quantitative approach. Data were collected from 97 respondents using Likert scale questionnaires and analyzed using path analysis through SmartPLS. The research findings indicate that green marketing has a positive but not significant influence on willingness to pay. However, green marketing significantly enhances perceived customer value, which in turn positively and significantly affects willingness to pay. Moreover, perceived customer value mediates the effect of green marketing on willingness to pay. Theoretically, this study reveals that green marketing affects perceived value by customers and their willingness to pay, albeit inconsistently. These findings support the theory that perceived value is crucial in purchasing decisions and can enhance customer loyalty. Practically, Green Tourism Village Bilebante is advised to strengthen green marketing strategies through transparency and effective communication regarding the environmental benefits of their products to enhance perceived value and willingness to pay.

Abstract Improving vaccine coverage among children is crucial to prevent the long-term consequences of COVID-19 infections and the emergence of resistant COVID-19 variants, especially in resource-scarce settings. This study determined factors influencing the willingness to take and pay for COVID-19 vaccine for children among Vietnamese healthcare professionals and the public. A Theory-Based discrete-choice experiment was focused on a different topic related to vaccines, including the COVID-19 vaccine for children, Monkeypox, the adult COVID-19 booster, the HIV vaccine, and a potential future pandemic. The recruitment period was from April to August 2022, and a total of 5700 Vietnamese individuals aged 16 and above from various regions of the country participated in the study. The data for the sub-study on the COVID-19 vaccination for children was completed by 891 of these participants. Most participants agreed on vaccination for all children. Among healthcare professionals it was 76.2% and 69.3% for the general population. Healthcare professionals were the main source of vaccine information (70.7%). Payment options of 50%, 100%, and full subsidy were the most popular. Concerns about vaccine characteristics were associated with lower acceptance among healthcare professionals and the general public. The burden of historical medical expenses negatively correlated with willingness to pay for vaccination, while service satisfaction positively correlated with willingness to pay. To develop an effective vaccination program among children in Vietnam, providing accurate information and satisfying vaccine services, primarily through knowledgeable and professional healthcare providers, can improve the willingness to vaccinate and pay for the COVID-19 vaccine.

The landscape of journalism is rapidly evolving, with bundled subscription offerings from the New York Times, Apple and Schibsted becoming increasingly important. These offerings allow consumers to access a wide variety of content in multiple formats, representing a significant shift in how news and information are consumed. However, the impact of these offerings on publishers’ revenues remains underexplored in journalism and media research. The results suggest that bundled offers generate higher revenues for publishers than individual offers. This supports the introduction of internal “all-access” bundles within the European journalism sector, as well as external collaborations between unaffiliated publishers. However, the relatively small differences in revenues suggest that there is limited strong evidence to support the adoption of a centralized, cross-publisher “Spotify for News” model.

Abstract Research on the improvement of national park recreation policies has attracted much attention to discrete choice experiments to obtain tourists’ preferences and willingness to pay. However, individual choice behavior is extremely complex, and the single Random Utility Maximization (RUM) model ignores anticipated regret and is insufficient to explain individuals’ actual choice behavior. To investigate whether regret influences tourists’ choices regarding the improvement of national park recreation attributes, this study introduces the Random Regret Minimization (RRM) model and explores the performance of polynomial logit models and hybrid latent class models in analyzing discrete choice models based on utility and regret. By constructing a hybrid utility-regret model, we examine how tourists trade off between attributes such as vegetation coverage, water clarity, amount of litter, and level of crowding in national park recreation. Results indicate that the RRM model has better goodness-of-fit and predictive ability than the RUM model, indicating that regret is a significant choice paradigm, and the hybrid model better explains respondents’ choices. Specifically, 62.5% of tourists’ choices are driven by regret, and regret-driven respondents are more inclined to increase vegetation coverage and improve water clarity, while utility-driven respondents are more inclined to reduce litter and crowding. This study not only provides a reference for managers to develop more optimal recreation improvement strategies but also offers theoretical insights for national park recreation improvement policies.

Abstract Introduction Cataracts represent a significant public health issue and are the most prevalent vision disorder following refractive errors. They can restrict the economic, social, and psychological activities of those affected, thereby diminishing their quality of life. This study was undertaken to examine the willingness to pay for cataract surgery and the factors influencing this decision in selected medical centers in Urmia. The two-stage Heckman model was utilized to aid decision-making in financing this service. Methods This research was a descriptive-analytical study evaluating the economic aspects of health interventions, conducted from the patient’s perspective. In this cross-sectional study, a sample size of 217 patients with cataract issues was selected using Michel Carson’s table. These patients were from Imam Khomeini Hospital and Aftab Urmia Surgery Center in 2023. Data was collected using a conditional valuation approach to determine the maximum amount patients were willing to pay, as gathered through a questionnaire. The factors influencing the willingness to pay for cataract surgery were estimated using the two-stage Heckman regression model. The final effect value of each variable was calculated using Stata version 14 software. Results In this study, 81.11% of participants (176 individuals) expressed a willingness to pay for cataract surgery, with the average amount they were willing to pay being $206.3. However, out of the 217 respondents, 41 rejected the proposed amounts and were not willing to pay anything. The results of the Hemken model indicated that the income of patients and the size of their households significantly influenced their willingness to pay for cataract surgery. However, other variables investigated did not have a significant impact. Conclusion The study results revealed a significant influence of both income and household size on the likelihood of willingness to pay, as well as the extent of willingness to pay for cataract surgery. Consequently, it is crucial to formulate policies and provisions that guarantee access to cataract services, particularly for individuals from large households with low income and high costs.

Abstract Sustainable development ensures the longevity of civilization by balancing economic growth, environmental protection, and social equity. The present study evaluates cultural heritage assets via a meta-regression analysis function transfer, in which 85 studies were examined that revealed 106 different willingness-to-pay (WTP) values in the period 1995–2022. The meta-regression methodology enables the valuation of cultural heritage—tangible and intangible—goods and services, as well as cultural values (e.g. aesthetic, spiritual, symbolic, etc.). The utilization of WTP would enable us to compare the two models (i.e., European and non-European) on how much a citizen would value cultural heritage based on non-market valuation. The results would inform policymakers about the importance of cultural heritage assets in the sustainable development agenda. The empirical findings present that the WTP for the European sample is 37.6€ and for the non-European is 60.12€. In essence, the Europeans are influenced mainly by intangible cultural assets, whereas non-Europeans are influenced by oral tradition. Overall, cultural heritage conservation necessitates for proper economic valuation through a holistic approach, in short—the valuation of both tangible and intangible cultural goods and services is imperative for sustainable development.

Abstract Plastic, integral to food packaging since the 1950s, has become a global environmental concern due to its contribution to microplastic pollution. Microplastics harm ecosystems, impacting wildlife and human health. Amid increasing focus on sustainability, global initiatives target sustainable production and consumption, but consumers struggle to verify product claims, leading to potential greenwashing, particularly in the food industry. We conducted an experiment focusing on pasta products with varied packaging and labeling attributes. Findings suggest that consumers are willing to pay more for products with both biodegradable packaging and Product Environmental Footprint (PEF) labels, indicating heightened trust and perceived sustainability. Information about microplastics’ adverse environmental effects influenced consumer valuation, particularly among females, higher-income individuals, and those with stronger environmental concerns.

Abstract Waste management in Lira City, Uganda faces significant challenges, particularly in the area of waste collection. Pollution and health risks from uncollected waste are rampant, posing serious threats to human health and the environment. This persistent problem demands urgent attention and effective solutions to improve waste collection and safeguard the well-being of the community and the natural surroundings. This study aimed to assess households’ willingness to pay for improved waste collection services, examine their waste management practices, and identify influencing factors. We employed a multistage sampling technique to randomly select 585 household heads and conducted key informant interviews with city officials and private waste collectors. Data analysis was conducted with STATA 17 and results showed that 48.12% of households were willing to pay an average of UGX 3012 ($0.84) per month for better services. Factors including education level, occupation, distance to waste collection sites, and environmental awareness significantly influenced this willingness. The study highlights a significant gap in public awareness and understanding of efficient solid waste management practices and concludes that enhancing public awareness is crucial for improving environmental health and safety in Lira City.

This study surveyed household decision makers to determine the willingness to pay (WTP) a premium price for certified high-iron common beans and the underlying determinants in the urban areas of West Pokot County, Kenya. The data were collected from 384 respondents selected through a stratified multistage sampling technique using a pretested semi structured questionnaire. A one-and-one-half bounded contingent valuation method was utilized to assess WTP. The data were analyzed in R Software. Household decision makers were willing to pay an average price premium of Kenya Shillings 281 per kilogram. WTP was significantly influenced by age, the proportion of monthly income allocated to food items, access to nutrition information, relative trust in nutritional claims, relative trust in certification agencies and awareness of food certification. Interventions for implementing lower pricing and enhancing the trust and awareness levels of public certification agencies could be appropriate. Prices may gradually be raised once trust and familiarity with high iron common beans, have diffused among consumer segments.

Abstract Background Foot and mouth disease is a contagious, transboundary, and economically devastating viral disease of cloven-hoofed animals. The disease can cause many consequences, including decreased productivity, limited market access, and elimination of flocks or herds. This study aimed to assess farmers’ willingness to pay (WTP) for foot and mouth disease (FMD) vaccines and identify factors influencing their WTP. A cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted on 396 randomly selected livestock-owning farmers from three districts in the central Oromia region (Ambo, Dendi, and Holeta districts. The study utilized the contingent valuation method, specifically employing dichotomous choice bids with double bounds, to evaluate the willingness to pay (WTP) for the FMD vaccine. Mean WTP was assessed using interval regression, and influential factors were identified. Results The study revealed that the farmer’s mean willingness to pay for a hypothetical foot and mouth disease vaccine was 37.5 Ethiopian Birr (ETB) [95% confidence interval [CI]: 34.5 40.58] in all data, while it was 23.84 (95% CI: 21.47–26.28) in the mixed farming system and 64.87 Ethiopian Birr (95% CI: 58.68 71.15) in the market-oriented farming system. We identified main livelihood, management system, sales income, breed, keeping animals for profit, and foot and mouth disease impact perception score as significant variables (p ≤ 0.05) determining the farmers’ WTP for the FMD vaccine. Conclusion Farmers demonstrated a high computed willingness to pay, which can be considered an advantage in the foot and mouth disease vaccination program in central Oromia. Therefore, it is necessary to ensure sufficient vaccine supply services to meet the high demand revealed.

Abstract Background Due to the rapid increase in chronic diseases in South Korea, the Korean government has expanded chronic disease management to primary care. Thus, the role of primary care nurses is critical. However, the fee for chronic disease management services provided by primary care nurses has not been set, and few studies have evaluated the value of nursing services. This study aimed to estimate the willingness to pay (WTP) for chronic disease management services provided by primary care nurses and to identify the factors that affect WTP. Methods This study adopted a descriptive research design and conducted a cross-sectional online survey from January 16 to 18, 2023. The inclusion criteria were community residents aged ≥ 20 years living in South Korea and capable of participating in online surveys. A total of 520 people participated in this study. A contingent valuation method (CVM) was used with double-bound dichotomous choice questions along with open-ended questions. The mean WTP was calculated using a Tobit model. Results The mean WTP of the 520 study participants for one chronic disease management service provided by primary care nurses was 15,390.71 Korean won ($11.90). Factors affecting WTP were having a chronic disease, recognition of primary care nurses, and the first-bid price. Community residents with fewer chronic diseases, high awareness of primary care nurses, and a higher first-bid price showed higher WTP for chronic disease management services provided by primary care nurses. Conclusions Primary care is important worldwide due to the increasing number of chronic diseases, and Korea is no exception. However, payment for services by primary care nurses is undervalued compared to their critical role and skills. This has led to problems such as a primary care nurse shortage and burnout. This study estimated individuals’ WTP for chronic disease management services provided by primary care nurses. The results can be used as a basic resource for setting the fee for services provided by primary care nurses. It is also a good starting point to understand the benefits of primary care nurse services.

Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) is a technology that can reduce traffic. However, its availability in Iran is relatively limited compared to more developed countries. This research examines the acceptance and willingness to pay for ACC among Iranian drivers. Data from an online survey of 453 respondents were analyzed using an ordered logit model and a structural equation model. The results of modelings show that perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness affect attitudes towards using ACC, which in turn influence behavioural intentions. In addition, drivers who find ACC easy to use and user-friendly, own expensive vehicles, and female drivers who have experience with cruise control are more likely to pay for ACC. To enhance the adoption of ACC in Iran, it is recommended to target early adopters, especially women and capitalists, who can influence others with their positive feedback. The benefits of ACC for traffic safety and environmental sustainability should also be emphasized. Furthermore, future studies would better concentrate on public perceptions and assessing the necessary infrastructure for ACC in Iran.

When eliciting consumer preferences for controversial products – an increasing number of which exist due to increasing demographic diversity and political polarization – conventional assumptions that all individuals derive positive marginal utility from consumption are challenged. It is relatively easy to adjust hypothetical stated preference questionnaires to include negative willingness to pay (WTP), but few studies on controversial products investigate how individuals behave using incentive-compatible revealed preference techniques. Using a framed field experiment with 292 adult subjects, we fill this gap by comparing the differences and similarities between a set of results that arise from the Becker-DeGroot-Marschak (BDM) mechanism between WTP versus willingness to accept (WTA) elicitation methods. This study has two main findings. First, in economic experiments eliciting preferences for controversial products, neither the WTP nor the WTA method fully discovers the true valuation range across all participants. Second, despite framing effects that give rise to different bid distributions, relative revealed preferences for the examined products are consistent under various interventions, indicating that WTP and WTA estimates have consistent policy implications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We test the hypothesis whether levels of key traits of sheep heterogeneously affect market prices of sheep in a rural setting. Feasible generalized least squares and (un)conditional quantile regression estimations were made on a dataset of 1153 sheep transactions in two primary small ruminant markets in the Amhara region of Ethiopia. The empirical results show that animal traits affect the observed prices of sheep differently, but only partly explain the sheep price differences. Our results also reveal that in addition to animal traits, the type of buyers and seasonality of sheep marketing cause heterogeneity in the observed prices. These findings imply that targeting the animal traits demanded by the market and access to price information that enables farmers to respond to the seasonal changes in livestock markets are essential to increase the income of sheep keepers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]