Pattern and determinants of willingness-to-pay for physiotherapy services

Purpose: To evaluate willingness-to-pay for physiotherapy services and explore its determinants. Methods: Willingness-to-pay, health-related quality of life and physiotherapy satisfaction were assessed in 100 physiotherapy out-patients with willingness-to-pay, Short Form-12 and physiotherapy satisfaction questionnaires, respectively. Data were analysed with Chi-square and logistic regression. Results: A 45% ‘no- willingness-to-pay’ rate was found in this study. Pattern of willingness-to-pay for different physiotherapy modalities and techniques were varied. Socio-economic status, treatment duration, amount willing to pay for treatment and physiotherapy satisfaction were significant determinants of willingness-to-pay. With one week increase in treatment duration, the participants were 8.4% less likely willing to pay for physiotherapy. Those who were satisfied with physiotherapy treatment were 21times more likely willing to pay compared with those who were not satisfied. Those in middle and high socio-economic status were more likely willing to pay for physiotherapy compared with low socio-economic status. With an increment in amount willing-to-pay more than median fee [₦1500 ($4.2)]; the participants were more likely willing to pay for physiotherapy. Conclusions: About 50% rate of no-willingness to pay for physiotherapy services was observed among Nigerian patients. Socio-economic status, treatment duration, amount willing-to-pay for treatment and physiotherapy satisfaction were predictors of willingness-to-pay for physiotherapy services.