Working Paper: CEPR ID: DP8976
Authors: Pedro Carneiro; Tewolde Ghebremeskel; Joseph Keating; Andrea Locatelli
Abstract: It is often argued that engaging in indoor residual spraying (IRS) in areas with high coverage of mosquito bed nets may discourage net ownership and use. This is just a case of a public program inducing perverse incentives. We analyze new data from a randomized control trial conducted in Eritrea which surprisingly shows the opposite: IRS encouraged net acquisition and use. Our evidence points to the role of imperfect information. The introduction of IRS may have made the problem of malaria more salient, leading to a change in beliefs about its importance and to an increase in private health investments.
Keywords: crowding-out; development; health; malaria
JEL Codes: I10
Edges that are evidenced by causal inference methods are in orange, and the rest are in light blue.
| Cause | Effect |
|---|---|
| Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS) (H23) | ITN ownership (L32) |
| Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS) (H23) | ITN usage (Y20) |
| Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS) (H23) | heightened awareness about malaria (I15) |
| heightened awareness about malaria (I15) | ITN ownership (L32) |
| Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS) (H23) | preventive behaviors (I12) |