Abstract

Author:
Jimilyn Abril

Doi: 10.26480/jhcdc.01.2025.01.10

This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License CC BY 4.0, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited

This study explores the influence of cost on patients’ preferences for dialysis centers, guided by Andersen’sBehavioral Model. Dialysis plays a crucial role in the management of end-stage renal disease, andunderstanding patients’ decision-making processes regarding dialysis center selection is essential foroptimizing healthcare delivery. The study seeks to investigate the intricate connection between cost factorsand patients’ decision-making processes concerning the selection of dialysis centers. Data were collectedthrough surveys administered to a sample of 120 dialysis patients from San Pablo City. Selection was basedon stratified random sampling, focusing on variables such as demographic characteristics, costconsiderations, and preferences for dialysis centers. Descriptive statistics and inferential analysis wereemployed to examine the relationship between cost and patients’ preferences, as well as to identify anydemographic factors associated with variation in preferences. Preliminary findings indicate that cost is asignificant factor influencing patients’ preferences for dialysis centers, with affordability being a primaryconcern for many patients. Statistical analysis revealed potential correlations between variables (such asincome level, impact of co-payments, and education level) and patients’ prioritization of cost in their decisionmaking.The implications of this study extend to healthcare policymakers, providers, and government aimingto improve access to affordable dialysis services and enhance patient-centered care. By clarifying how the costfactor influences patients’ choices of dialysis centers within Andersen’s Behavioral Model, specificinterventions can be devised to tackle access inequalities and encourage patients to make well-informeddecisions. Overall, this quantitative research contributes valuable insights into the factors driving patients’choices of dialysis centers, offering evidence-based recommendations for enhancing healthcare delivery andresource allocation in the field of nephrology.