Public knowledge about healthcare financing philosophy and perception of affordability of medical treatment for cancers in Singapore

• Main Author: Tan, Yinghui
• Other Authors: Muhammad Saidul Islam
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: 2016
• Subjects: DRNTU::Humanities
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10356/66166
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

This study aims to understand the how lower-middle income Singaporean undergraduates perceive affordability of medical expenses in Singapore, with a particular focus on cancer, and to determine if the presentation of basic information of the local health industry would affect this perception. Sample consists of persons aged 20- 27 years. 82 persons filled out the online questionnaire (response rate 78%). The research found that rather than unique experiences, it is the introduction of the information that has more effect on how one perceive affordability of medical treatment. Consequently, the change in the variable factor (which is the presence of information), prove that majority of the respondents are not well aware of the public health facilities that they have access to, which may distort their initial perception of affordability of medical treatment in Singapore. The findings are organized into three broad levels of analysis, namely unique experiences, changes of perception before and after the information, as well as sources where they receive their information. Results: Knowledge about the local healthcare system is characterized by a relatively high uncertainty, and the overall perception of affordability improved after reading the information. Conclusions: To increase knowledge, reduce uncertainty and modify attitudes towards personal responsibility towards health and financial planning for the future, educational programs and contact-based approaches should be considered.