Caregivers’ Willingness to Pay for Bone Marrow Transplant to Cure Sickle Cell Disease in Children

Abstract

Background: The opening of a Bone Marrow Transplant centre at the Greater Accra Regional hospital, the first centre in Ghana, provides an opportunity for caregivers to access the option of Bone Marrow Transplant as a cure to sickle cell disease. Since it is a new service, it is important to estimate how much caregivers are willing to pay for it. Objective: The objective of this study was to determine caregivers’ willingness to pay for Bone Marrow Transplant as a cure to Sickle Cell Disease (SCD). Method: The study was a hospital-based cross-sectional study. The entire population of caregivers who bring children to the SCD clinic were recruited, using a structured interviewer administered questionnaire. The data was analysed using STATA version 15.0 and results presented in tables and figures. Chi-square, logistic regressions were used to determine factors associated with caregivers’ willingness to pay for BMT for their children. Results: The results showed that 78.6% of caregivers were willing to pay for Bone Marrow Transplant, but all below the actual amount of GH¢125,000. The mean amount caregivers were willing to pay was GH¢1567.38. About 57.1% had inadequate knowledge on BMT. Senior high school education of caregivers (aOR = 328.68; 95% CI = 5.21 – 20747.39; p = 0.006), caregivers in the second quintile (aOR = 2301.57; 95% CI = 7.93 – 667773.20; p = 0.007) and third quintile (aOR = 627.05; 95% CI = 3.35 – 117219; p = 0.016) had increased odds of WTP. A one year increase in age (aOR = 6.05; 95% CI = 1.67 – 21.91; p = 0.006), moderate sickle cell disease condition (aOR = 84.10; 95% CI = 1.32 – 5375.37; p = 0.037) had significantly increased odds in their willingness to pay for BMT. Those with inadequate knowledge (aOR = 0.09; 95% CI = 0.01 – 0.75; p = 0.027) had a reduced odds of WTP. Conclusion: There is inadequate knowledge on bone marrow transplant among caregivers. Even though most caregivers are willing to pay for Bone marrow transplants, the amounts they are willing to pay are below the threshold. Age of child, severity of disease, educational level of care giver, wealth index and knowledge are factors associated with willingness to pay for bone marrow transplant.