The heterogeneous effects of HIV testing

B-Tier
Journal: Journal of Health Economics
Year: 2014
Volume: 37
Issue: C
Pages: 98-112

Authors (4)

Baird, Sarah (not in RePEc) Gong, Erick (not in RePEc) McIntosh, Craig (not in RePEc) Özler, Berk (Stanford University)

Score contribution per author:

0.503 = (α=2.01 / 4 authors) × 1.0x B-tier

α: calibrated so average coauthorship-adjusted count equals average raw count

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.

Technical Details

RePEc Handle
repec:eee:jhecon:v:37:y:2014:i:c:p:98-112
Journal Field
Health
Author Count
4
Added to Database
2026-01-26