Language:
English
Pages:
Online-Ressource (38 p)
Edition:
2014 World Bank eLibrary
Parallel Title:
Baird, Sarah The Heterogeneous Effects of HIV Testing
Keywords:
AIDS
;
Infektionskrankheit
;
Gesundheitsvorsorge
;
Jugendliche
;
Frauen
;
Gesundheitsrisiko
;
Verhalten
;
Malawi
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. This study investigates 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. The study finds 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, a large increase in the probability of contracting HSV-2 is found, with this effect stronger among those surprised by their test results. Similarly, those surprised by HIV-negative test results see a significant improvement in achievement test scores, consistent with increased returns to investments in human capital. The finding of increased HSV-2 prevalence among HIV-positive individuals suggests that the conventional wisdom that those who learn they are HIV-positive will adopt safer sexual practices should be treated with caution
DOI:
10.1596/1813-9450-6823
URL:
Volltext
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