Benefits of preventing a death associated with child maltreatment: evidence from willingness-to-pay survey data

Am J Public Health. 2011 Mar;101(3):487-90. doi: 10.2105/AJPH.2010.196584. Epub 2011 Jan 13.

Abstract

Although assessing the costs of an intervention to prevent child maltreatment is straightforward, placing a monetary value on benefits is challenging. Respondents participating in a statewide random-digit-dialed survey were asked how much they would be willing to pay to prevent a death caused by child maltreatment. Our results suggested that society may value preventing a death from child maltreatment at $15 million. If a child maltreatment intervention is effective enough to save even 1 life, then in many cases, its benefits will outweigh its costs.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Child
  • Child Abuse / mortality*
  • Child Abuse / prevention & control*
  • Cost-Benefit Analysis
  • Georgia / epidemiology
  • Health Expenditures*
  • Humans
  • Preventive Health Services / economics*
  • Social Values*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires