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Knowledge, Stigma, and HIV Testing: An Analysis of a Widespread HIV/AIDS Program

Author

Listed:
  • 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.

Suggested Citation

  • Dean Yang & James Allen IV & Arlete Mahumane & James Riddell IV & Hang Yu, 2021. "Knowledge, Stigma, and HIV Testing: An Analysis of a Widespread HIV/AIDS Program," NBER Working Papers 28716, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    • Handle: RePEc:nbr:nberwo:28716
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    2. Islam, Asad & Kusnadi, Gita & Rezki, Jahen & Sim, Armand & van Empel, Giovanni & Vlassopoulos, Michael & Zenou, Yves, 2024. "Addressing vaccine hesitancy using local ambassadors: A randomized controlled trial in Indonesia," European Economic Review, Elsevier, vol. 163(C).
    3. Christopher Roth & Peter Schwardmann & Egon Tripodi, 2024. "Depression Stigma," Rationality and Competition Discussion Paper Series 499, CRC TRR 190 Rationality and Competition.
    4. Castro, Silvia & Czura, Kristina, 2025. "Cultural taboos and misinformation about menstrual health management in rural Bangladesh," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 188(C).
    5. Sevin Kaytan & Stwarth Piedra-Bonilla & Tom Zohar, 2025. "The Complementary Role of Information and Contraceptive Access in Teen Pregnancy," Working Papers wp2025_2507, CEMFI.
    6. Allen, James & Mahumane, Arlete & Riddell, James & Rosenblat, Tanya & Yang, Dean & Yu, Hang, 2022. "Teaching and incentives: Substitutes or complements?," Economics of Education Review, Elsevier, vol. 91(C).
    7. He, Yingzi & Zhu, Linhe, 2025. "Theoretical analysis and practical application of multi-patch infectious disease model," Chaos, Solitons & Fractals, Elsevier, vol. 198(C).
    8. 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).

    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • D10 - Microeconomics - - Household Behavior - - - General
    • D80 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - General
    • I12 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Health Behavior

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