Knowledge, Stigma, and HIV Testing: An Analysis of a Widespread HIV/AIDS Program
Dean Yang,
James Allen,
Arlete Mahumane,
James Riddell Iv and
Hang Yu
No 28716, NBER Working Papers from National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc
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.
JEL-codes: D10 D80 I12 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021-04
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Published as Dean Yang & James Allen & Arlete Mahumane & James Riddell & Hang Yu, 2022. "Knowledge, stigma, and HIV testing: An analysis of a widespread HIV/AIDS program," Journal of Development Economics, .
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Journal Article: Knowledge, stigma, and HIV testing: An analysis of a widespread HIV/AIDS program (2023) 
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