Willingness to Pay for HPV Vaccination in Türkiye: Evidence from a University-Based Contingent Valuation Study


Çelik Y., Seyhun Ö., Berfin Izol Balakar Ş.

EHMA Annual Conference 2026: Future-proofing health systems for a changing world: From strategy to action, Barcelona, İspanya, 10 - 12 Haziran 2026, ss.1, (Özet Bildiri)

  • Yayın Türü: Bildiri / Özet Bildiri
  • Basıldığı Şehir: Barcelona
  • Basıldığı Ülke: İspanya
  • Sayfa Sayıları: ss.1
  • Acıbadem Mehmet Ali Aydınlar Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

Background: Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination is a key component of cancer prevention programs; however, in Türkiye, it is not included in the national immunization schedule, and access is largely based on out-of-pocket payments. This study aimed to estimate willingness to pay (WTP) for HPV vaccination and to identify its demographic, socioeconomic, and perceptual determinants.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted in 2025 among 206 adults (students, faculty, and administrative personnel aged ≥18 years) from a single university. The contingent valuation method was applied via single-bounded and double-bounded dichotomous choice formats. The initial bids were 1,000, 3,000, or 4,000 Turkish Lira, followed by a second bid adjusted by ±50% according to the first response. Analyses were performed in R (DCchoice). The mean and median WTPs were estimated with Krinsky–Robb and bootstrap 95% confidence intervals. The covariates included demographic, socioeconomic, and perception-related factors.

Results: In total, 79.6% of the participants were female, and 92.2% had a higher level of education. In the double-bounded model, the mean WTP was 115.8 USD (95% CI: 98.9–135.5), and the median WTP was 101.8 USD (84.0–120.1). Single-bounded estimates were similar in level but less precise. The bid price coefficients were negative and significant in both models. Most demographic groups did not differ significantly in their acceptance of the first bid; however, having health insurance was associated with greater acceptance (odds ratio=3.46; p=0.046). Perceptual factors were significant: the statement “I would vaccinate if income were higher” showed the strongest association (odds ratio=6.78; p<0.001), whereas awareness of HPV and HPV vaccination (odds ratio=4.90; p<0.001), price awareness (odds ratio=2.16; p=0.011), and belief that vaccines prevent some cancers (odds ratio=4.35; p=0.001) also increased acceptance.

Conclusions: The average willingness to pay in this university population was close to current private market prices but was substantially lower among uninsured and financially constrained groups. Policy implications include the need for national program inclusion, income-based subsidies, and gender-inclusive, trust-building communication strategies. The double-bounded format provided narrower confidence intervals than did the single-bounded format, yielding more precise estimates.

Trial registration: Not applicable. This was an observational cross-sectional study.

Keywords: HPV vaccine; willingness to pay; contingent valuation; double-bounded dichotomous choice; health economics; Türkiye.