Working Paper: NBER ID: w28716
Authors: Dean Yang; James Allen IV; Arlete Mahumane; James Riddell IV; Hang Yu
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.
Keywords: HIV testing; stigma; randomized controlled trial; public health; Mozambique
JEL Codes: D10; D80; I12
Edges that are evidenced by causal inference methods are in orange, and the rest are in light blue.
| Cause | Effect |
|---|---|
| increase in misinformation about HIV transmission (I14) | HIV testing rates (I10) |
| worsening of stigmatizing attitudes (I14) | HIV testing rates (I10) |
| subsequent household-level randomized treatments (C90) | negative effect on HIV testing (I12) |
| improving knowledge about HIV (I10) | HIV testing rates (I10) |
| alleviating stigma (I32) | HIV testing rates (I10) |
| FCC enrollment (L96) | HIV testing rates (I10) |