Public’s Willingness to Pay for COVID-19 Self-Test Kits in Malaysia: A Web-Based Survey

Introduction:The COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test Kit (self-test) has been a critical tool in Malaysia's public health response, approved by the Ministry of Health (MOH) for detecting COVID-19 antigens using saliva or nasal swabs.This study evaluates the public's willingness to pay (WTP) for these self-test kits and identifies the factors influencing this willingness.Method: A cross-sectional, web-based survey was conducted among members of the public in Malaysia from March to December 2022.The self-administered questionnaire assessed respondents' exposure to COVID-19, vaccination status, awareness of self-test kits, and WTP.The contingent valuation method was applied, with price points ranging from RM 3.00 to RM 20.00.Results: Among the 268 respondents, 96.6% had previously purchased a COVID-19 self-test kit, and 91.0% were aware of both nasal and saliva-based kits.A majority (73.5%) expressed a willingness to pay for these kits, with a mean maximum price of RM 9.16 and a median of RM 6.00.Significant predictors of higher WTP included female gender (P = 0.013) and student status (P = 0.013).The primary reasons for refusal to pay were cost and affordability (62.7%).Conclusion: This study demonstrates a strong willingness among the Malaysian public to pay for COVID-19 self-test kits.These findings provide critical insights for policymakers and health authorities in setting prices and considering subsidies to enhance public health preparedness for future pandemics.