The Heterogeneous Effects of HIV Testing

Baird, Sarah ; Gong, Erick ; McIntosh, Craig ; Ö ; zler, Berk

World Bank, Washington, DC

关键词: ABSENTEEISM;    ACQUIRED IMMUNE DEFICIENCY SYNDROME;    ADOLESCENTS;    AGED;    AIDS EPIDEMIC;   

DOI  :  10.1596/1813-9450-6823
RP-ID  :  WPS6823

学科分类：社会科学、人文和艺术（综合）

来源: World Bank Open Knowledge Repository

【 摘 要 】

An extensive multi-disciplinaryliterature examines the effects of learning one's HIVstatus on subsequent risky sexual behaviors. However, manyof these studies rely on non-experimental designs; useself-reported outcome measures, or both. This studyinvestigates the effects of a randomly assigned home basedHIV testing and counseling (HTC) intervention on riskysexual behaviors and schooling investments among school-agefemales in Malawi. The study finds no overall effects onHIV, Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV-2), or achievement testscores at follow-up. However, among the small group ofindividuals who tested positive for HIV, a large increase inthe probability of contracting HSV-2 is found, with thiseffect stronger among those surprised by their test results.Similarly, those surprised by HIV-negative test results seea significant improvement in achievement test scores,consistent with increased returns to investments in humancapital. The finding of increased HSV-2 prevalence amongHIV-positive individuals suggests that the conventionalwisdom that those who learn they are HIV-positive will adoptsafer sexual practices should be treated with caution.