Abstract
Objectives The purpose of this study was to examine factors that affect the willingness to undergo Hib vaccination and to pay (WTP) for it.
Methods The subjects of the survey were 1,185 parents with infants attending nursery schools in Machida city, Tokyo. A total of 46.3% returned the completed questionnaire, which covered information about Hib willingness to undergo vaccination, their WTP for it, and components of the health belief model (HBM).
Result Approximately half (50.3%) of the respondents were willing to have vaccination. The mean WTP was 2581 JPY, and approximately 80% of those who stated their WTP were willing to pay 3000 JPY or less. Perceived susceptibility, severity, and benefits were positively correlated with the willingness to have vaccination and the WTP, while perceived economic barriers were negatively correlated. Also, WTP was positively correlated with income.
Conclusion In order to promote the Hib vaccination program, it is necessary to provide information based on the HBM, especially information that affects the perception of benefits of vaccination, and to take measures to reduce the level of out-of-pocket payment, considering households who have lower incomes.
