IS AIDS A RATIONAL DISEASE? SOME EVIDENCE FROM HOUSEHOLD DATA

Steffan Gritzman

South African Journal of Economics, 2005, vol. 73, issue 1, 149-169

Abstract: The paper discusses some standard models of the spread of HIV such as the “actuarial” model and the “psychological” model. We introduce an “economic” model which is based on the assumption that people are rational utility‐maximizers. The appropriateness of applying an economic model to the spread of a disease is discussed. Available evidence indicates that individuals respond rationally to social and economic stimuli when it comes to taking risks. The article shows how viewing AIDS as a rational disease enriches our understanding of the behavioural underpinnings of the spread of HIV.

Date: 2005
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https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1813-6982.2005.00011.x

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