LAUSR

OBJECTIVE To examine parents' interest in continuing and willingness to pay (WTP) for two pediatric weight management programs following their participation. METHODS Participants were parents of 2-12 year-olds with BMI ≥85th percentile who participated in the Connect for Health trial. One group received enhanced primary care (EPC) and the other received EPC plus individualized coaching (EPC+C). At 1-year, we assessed parents' self-reported WTP for a similar program and the maximum amount ($US/month) they would pay. We used multivariable regression to examine differences in WTP and WTP amount by intervention arm and by individual and family-level factors. RESULTS Of 638 parents who completed the survey, 85% were interested in continuing and 38% of those parents were willing to pay; 31% in the EPC group and 45% in the EPC+C group. The median amount parents were willing to pay was $25/month (interquartile range $15; $50). In multivariable models, EPC+C parents were more likely to endorse WTP than EPC parents (Odds Ratio 1.53; 95% CI, 1.05-2.22). Parents of children with Hispanic/Latino v. White ethnicity and those reporting higher satisfaction with the program were also more likely to endorse WTP. CONCLUSIONS Most parents of children in a weight management program were interested in continuing it after it ended, but fewer were willing to pay out of pocket for it. A greater proportion of parents were willing to pay if the program included individualized health coaching.