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Social stigma as a barrier to HIV testing: Evidence from a randomized experiment in Mozambique

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  • Yu, Hang

Abstract

This paper shows that concerns about social stigma cause individuals to avoid HIV tests. People have inaccurate beliefs about the stigma environment but are open-minded about taking on new information. A simple message that shares the local community's true (low) degree of stigmatizing attitudes can help individuals overcome the stigma barrier and result in more testing. The information intervention led to 36% more HIV testing among those who had overestimated stigma. The treatment effect is comparable to that of a monetary incentive worth more than half of the daily cost of living.

Suggested Citation

  • Yu, Hang, 2023. "Social stigma as a barrier to HIV testing: Evidence from a randomized experiment in Mozambique," Journal of Development Economics, Elsevier, vol. 161(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:deveco:v:161:y:2023:i:c:s0304387822001778
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jdeveco.2022.103035
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Roth, Christopher & Schwardmann, Peter & Tripodi, Egon, 2024. "Depression Stigma," CEPR Discussion Papers 18919, C.E.P.R. Discussion Papers.

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