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When Knowledge Matters: Learning HIV Status, Sexual Behavior, and Relationship Dynamics

Author

Listed:
  • Dominik Jockers
  • Sarah Langlotz
  • Sebastian Vollmer
  • Frank Tanser
  • Till Bärnighausen

Abstract

We study how learning HIV status affects sexual behavior and new HIV infections in South Africa, a high-prevalence setting with universal treatment access. Using financial incentives randomly assigned in a cluster-randomized trial, we instrument HIV status learning and follow participants for up to five years. On average, testing does not change risk behavior, but effects vary by relationship status: among individuals not in relationships, testing increases condom use regardless of the test result; among those in relationships, only HIV-positive results increase abstinence. New HIV infection estimates are large but imprecise. Overall, relationship dynamics matter, and testing alone offers limited preventive benefits.

Suggested Citation

  • Dominik Jockers & Sarah Langlotz & Sebastian Vollmer & Frank Tanser & Till Bärnighausen, 2026. "When Knowledge Matters: Learning HIV Status, Sexual Behavior, and Relationship Dynamics," CESifo Working Paper Series 12729, CESifo.
    • Handle: RePEc:ces:ceswps:_12729
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • I12 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Health Behavior
    • I18 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Government Policy; Regulation; Public Health
    • C26 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Single Equation Models; Single Variables - - - Instrumental Variables (IV) Estimation
    • D83 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Search; Learning; Information and Knowledge; Communication; Belief; Unawareness

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