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Valuing Human Leptospirosis Prevention Using the Opportunity Cost of Labor

Author

Listed:
  • Joseph Arbiol

    (Laboratory of Environmental Economics, Graduate School of Bio-resources and Bio-environmental Science, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-8581, Japan)

  • Maridel Borja

    (Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Public Health, University of the Philippines-Manila, Manila 1000, Philippines)

  • Mitsuyasu Yabe

    (Laboratory of Environmental Economics, Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics, Faculty of Agriculture, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-8581, Japan)

  • Hisako Nomura

    (International Education Center, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-8581, Japan)

  • Nina Gloriani

    (Department of Medical Microbiology, College of Public Health, University of the Philippines-Manila, Manila 1000, Philippines)

  • Shin-ichi Yoshida

    (Department of Bacteriology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan)

Abstract

Leptospirosis is a serious public health concern in the Philippines, not only because of its increasing incidence rate, but also because of its significant health and economic impacts. Despite its relatively high seroprevalence, knowledge on the economic burden of disease, particularly on the value that the society places on disease prevention remains limited. Obtaining such information is important within the context of public health policy. This study was conducted in Metro Manila to determine the economic burden of leptospirosis, by asking respondents about their willingness to contribute to labor ( WTC L ) for the prevention of leptospirosis. The respondents pledged an average labor contribution of 10.66 h/month. The average WTC L corresponded to a monetary value of US$4.01 per month when valued using the opportunity cost of labor (leisure rate of time). From the monetized labor contribution, the total economic value of preventing leptospirosis was estimated at US$124.97 million per annum , which represents 1.13% of Metro Manila’s gross domestic product (GDP). Estimates from a Tobit regression model identified the respondents’ knowledge regarding leptospirosis, the susceptibility of their homes to flooding, and the proximity of their homes to sewers as significant factors to consider when developing resource contribution programs for leptospirosis prevention. More efforts need to be made in developing community level preventive programs, and in improving public’s knowledge and awareness about leptospirosis.

Suggested Citation

  • Joseph Arbiol & Maridel Borja & Mitsuyasu Yabe & Hisako Nomura & Nina Gloriani & Shin-ichi Yoshida, 2013. "Valuing Human Leptospirosis Prevention Using the Opportunity Cost of Labor," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 10(5), pages 1-16, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:10:y:2013:i:5:p:1845-1860:d:25444
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