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Knowledge, stigma, and HIV testing: An analysis of a widespread HIV/AIDS program

Dean Yang, James Allen, Arlete Mahumane, James Riddell and Hang Yu

Journal of Development Economics, 2023, vol. 160, issue C

Abstract: Using randomized methodologies, we study a common community HIV/AIDS program that seeks to promote HIV testing by improving knowledge and reducing stigmatizing attitudes. Contrary to expectations, the program has a substantial negative effect on HIV testing rates. We provide evidence of likely mechanisms behind the program’s negative effect: it inadvertently increased misinformation about HIV transmission methods, and worsened HIV-related stigmatizing attitudes. Subsequent household-level randomized treatments providing correct information and addressing stigma concerns counteract the program’s negative effect on HIV testing. These findings highlight the importance of improving knowledge and alleviating stigma concerns when promoting HIV testing.

Keywords: HIV testing; HIV knowledge; HIV stigma (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: D10 D80 I12 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
References: Add references at CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (7)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:deveco:v:160:y:2023:i:c:s030438782200102x

DOI: 10.1016/j.jdeveco.2022.102958

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