Preference and willingness to pay for using treatment diet services at Hanoi Medical University hospital in 2018 - 2019

Abstract

Background: An appropriate nutrition diet assists patients to increase the effectiveness of medical treatments, reduce relapse, prevent disease progression, shorten the duration of treatment and reduce medical expenses. In Vietnam, treatment diet services have been concerned at the early stage and implemented among some hospitals but its performance did not widespread and highly effective. Methodology: A cross-sectional study, direct interview with questionnaires on 220 inpatients being treated in 4 clinical departments, namely Department of Internal Medicine, Department of Cardiology, Department of General Surgery, and Department of Oncology and palliative care, in Hanoi Medical University Hospital. Result: The proportion of patients used to using treatment diet was 48.2%.The percentage of respondents want to use treatment diet was 54.95%. There was 54.95% of respondents were willing to pay for treatment meal services with the mean amount of 35,100 VND (95% CI, 31,950 VND-38,240 VND. Comparing to males, more females were willing to pay for the treatment meal services (63.29%) but at a lower mean amount (30,800 VND) and the difference among two groups was statistically significant (p<0.05). Respondents aging from 18 to under 60 were willing to pay at a higher mean amount than those aging 60 and above (37,690 VND and 31,950 VND respectively). Conclusion: The proportion of patients who want to use treatment diet is high. Strengthen communication exchange with leaders, doctors, nurses, patients and family members to increase the proportion of patients use treatment meal over 70% according to the Ministry of Health standards.