title: The heterogeneous effects of HIV testing.
abstract: An extensive multi-disciplinary literature examines the effects of learning one's HIV status on subsequent risky sexual behaviors. However, many of these studies rely on non-experimental designs; use self-reported outcome measures; or both. In this study, we investigate the effects of a randomly assigned home based HIV testing and counseling (HTC) intervention on risky sexual behaviors and schooling investments among school-age females in Malawi. We find no overall effects on HIV, Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV-2), or achievement test scores at follow-up. However, among the small group of individuals who tested positive for HIV, we find a large increase in the probability of HSV-2 infection, with this effect being stronger among those surprised by their test results. Similarly, those surprised by HIV-negative test results have significantly higher achievement test scores at follow-up, consistent with increased returns to investments in human capital.
authors: University of Otago and George Washington University, New Zealand.
authors: Sarah
authors: S
authors: Baird
authors: Middlebury College, United States.
authors: Erick
authors: E
authors: Gong
authors: University of California San Diego, United States.
authors: Craig
authors: C
authors: McIntosh
authors: The World Bank and University of Otago, United States. Electronic address: bozler@worldbank.org.
authors: Berk
authors: B
authors: Özler
mesh_terms: D015492:AIDS Serodiagnosis; D000124:Achievement; D000293:Adolescent; D003376:Counseling; D004521:Educational Measurement; D004522:Educational Status; D005260:Female; D006561:Herpes Simplex / Q000453:epidemiology; D006699:Home Care Services; D006801:Humans; D008017:Life Expectancy; D008295:Malawi; D008403:Mass Screening; D012309:Risk-Taking; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000523:psychology*; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: HIV prevention; HTC; Information; Risky sexual behavior