INTEGRATED EVALUATION OF A DIGITAL CHILD HEALTH PLATFORM IN THAILAND: BEHAVIORAL OUTCOMES, WILLINGNESS TO PAY, AND SOCIAL RETURN ON INVESTMENT OF THE KHUNLOOK APPLICATION

Abstract

Background: This study evaluates the KhunLook application, a digital health platform designed to support maternal and child health in Thailand. The analysis integrates behavioral outcome data, willingness to pay (WTP) estimates, and a social return on investment (SROI) framework to assess the platform’s value from multiple perspectives.

Methods: We used survey data from 680 caregivers, combining descriptive analysis with log-linear and unconditional quantile regression (UQR) to estimate WTP. Behavioral outcomes, including app engagement, knowledge gains, and preventive care practices, were assessed through structured questionnaires. We then applied SROI methodology using predicted WTP values, user reach assumptions, and implementation cost data to estimate societal return.

Results: The findings show KhunLook significantly improves caregiver knowledge and adherence to vaccination and developmental milestones. Average WTP was 341 Baht, with higher values among more educated and higher-income groups. The SROI analysis yielded ratios ranging from 8.95:1 to 11.59:1, indicating strong economic justification for continued investment. Importantly, behavioral and valuation gains were observed across socio-economic strata, affirming the platform's inclusiveness and public health value.

Conclusion: KhunLook demonstrates how mobile health technology can deliver measurable behavioral and economic impact in a middle-income country. This study offers a replicable model for assessing other digital health tools by employing an integrated evaluation framework. The results underscore the need for public sector leadership in financing and scaling digital health platforms to ensure equity, sustainability, and population-level impact.