Determinants of willingness-to-pay for genomic sequencing in hong kong: psycho-socio-economic factors and healthcare engagement from a contingent valuation study

Genomic sequencing (GS) holds promise for advancing precision medicine, yet its broader valuation within healthcare systems remains underexplored. Understanding the multifaceted factors influencing GS adoption is critical for sustainable implementation. This study quantifies patient-level valuation through willingness-to-pay (WTP) analysis among 1,299 prospective participants of the Hong Kong Genome Project, using generalized additive models for location, scale and shape (GAMLSS). As Asia's first comprehensive valuation study, we found participants were willing to pay HKD 4,500 (∼USD 570) on average for GS. The key findings reveal complex interrelationships among psychological well-being, socioeconomic factors, and healthcare contexts in shaping WTP for GS. While education attainment was associated with GS perceptions, genomic literacy independently predicted healthcare engagement. Participants with higher mental distress correlated with financial decision-making burdens. Our analysis of empirical data showed how these intersecting factors related to compounded vulnerabilities. Results suggest policy frameworks integrating psychological support, financial assistance for vulnerable populations, and genomic literacy initiatives in genomic medicine services.