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Crowding Out Temptation: Experimental Evidence on Savings and Health Behaviors in Kenya

Author

Listed:
  • Harsha Thirumurthy
  • Elizabeth F. Bair
  • Dean Yang
  • Teniola I. Egbe
  • Benard Ayieko
  • Julius Wesonga
  • Sue Napierala
  • Connie Celum
  • Mary E. Putt
  • Carol S. Camlin
  • Mark Ayallo

Abstract

Alcohol use, transactional sex, and gambling carry significant health and economic consequences. We conducted a randomized controlled trial in Kenya to assess whether these behaviors could be altered with a savings intervention that provided lottery-based interest, goal-setting support, and savings reminders. Over 24 months, the intervention increased formal savings and assets, financed primarily by lower spending on alcohol, transactional sex, and gambling. It also reduced hazardous drinking by 26 percent and intimate partner violence by 15 percent. HIV/STI incidence declined by 8 percent, though this was not statistically significant. Savings interventions can simultaneously boost financial security and change health behavior.

Suggested Citation

  • Harsha Thirumurthy & Elizabeth F. Bair & Dean Yang & Teniola I. Egbe & Benard Ayieko & Julius Wesonga & Sue Napierala & Connie Celum & Mary E. Putt & Carol S. Camlin & Mark Ayallo, 2026. "Crowding Out Temptation: Experimental Evidence on Savings and Health Behaviors in Kenya," NBER Working Papers 35833, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    • Handle: RePEc:nbr:nberwo:35833
    Note: DEV EH
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • I12 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Health Behavior
    • O15 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Economic Development: Human Resources; Human Development; Income Distribution; Migration
    • O16 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Financial Markets; Saving and Capital Investment; Corporate Finance and Governance

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