Working Paper: NBER ID: w24962
Authors: Adrienne M. Lucas; Nicholas L. Wilson
Abstract: Economic growth and development have improved human health in many regions, while sub-Saharan Africa continues to lag behind. Economic theory and the existing empirical evidence suggest that development may not generate large reductions in the leading cause of adult mortality in the region, HIV/AIDS, and may increase risky sexual behavior. We examine the association between schooling/material standard of living and HIV risk using data from more than 500,000 respondents in 32 sub-Saharan African countries. The results of our descriptive analysis suggest that the rapid increase in primary school completion without improvements in living standards or secondary school completion might not mitigate HIV transmission.
Keywords: HIV/AIDS; Sub-Saharan Africa; Schooling; Risky Sexual Behavior; Economic Development
JEL Codes: I12; J13; O15
Edges that are evidenced by causal inference methods are in orange, and the rest are in light blue.
| Cause | Effect |
|---|---|
| Higher levels of schooling (I23) | Decreased risky sexual behavior (I12) |
| Primary school completion (I21) | Condom use during last sexual encounter (D18) |
| Primary school completion (I21) | Higher likelihood of multiple partnerships (J12) |
| Secondary school completion (I21) | Lower likelihood of being HIV positive (I14) |
| Material standards of living (consumer durables) (L68) | Likelihood of being HIV positive (C12) |