The heterogeneous effects of HIV testing

Sarah Baird, Erick Gong, Craig McIntosh and Berk Özler

Journal of Health Economics, 2014, vol. 37, issue C, 98-112

Abstract: An extensive multi-disciplinary literature examines the effects of learning one's HIV status on subsequent risky sexual behaviors. However, many of these studies rely on non-experimental designs; use self-reported outcome measures; or both. In this study, we investigate the effects of a randomly assigned home based HIV testing and counseling (HTC) intervention on risky sexual behaviors and schooling investments among school-age females in Malawi. We find no overall effects on HIV, Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV-2), or achievement test scores at follow-up. However, among the small group of individuals who tested positive for HIV, we find a large increase in the probability of HSV-2 infection, with this effect being stronger among those surprised by their test results. Similarly, those surprised by HIV-negative test results have significantly higher achievement test scores at follow-up, consistent with increased returns to investments in human capital.

Keywords: HIV prevention; HTC; Information; Risky sexual behavior (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I15 I25 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2014
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (24)

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Working Paper: The Heterogeneous Effects of HIV Testing (2013)
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:jhecon:v:37:y:2014:i:c:p:98-112

DOI: 10.1016/j.jhealeco.2014.06.003

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