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Mortality Risk Information, Survival Expectations and Sexual Behaviours

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  • Alberto Ciancio
  • Adeline Delavande
  • Hans-Peter Kohler
  • Iliana V Kohler

Abstract

We investigate the impact of a randomised information intervention about population-level mortality on health investment and subjective health expectations. Our focus is on risky sex in a high-HIV-prevalence environment. Treated individuals are less likely to engage in risky sexual practices one year after the intervention, with, for example, an 8% increase in abstinence. We collected detailed data on individuals’ subjective expectations about their own and population survival, as well as other important health outcomes. Our findings emphasise the significance of integrating subjective expectation data in field experiments to identify the pathways that lead to behavioural change.

Suggested Citation

  • Alberto Ciancio & Adeline Delavande & Hans-Peter Kohler & Iliana V Kohler, 2024. "Mortality Risk Information, Survival Expectations and Sexual Behaviours," The Economic Journal, Royal Economic Society, vol. 134(660), pages 1431-1464.
    • Handle: RePEc:oup:econjl:v:134:y:2024:i:660:p:1431-1464.
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Delavande, Adeline & Del Bono, Emilia & Holford, Angus, 2025. "Imprecise health beliefs and health behavior," Journal of Health Economics, Elsevier, vol. 102(C).

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