Reducing HIV Stigma: Measuring the Effectiveness of Various Interventions
Vivian Hoffmann, Agricultural and Resource Economics
Stigma related to HIV/AIDS can have devastating consequences for those living with the disease and inhibits the prevention of new infections. But the effects of programs intended to reduce stigma are difficult to measure. The proposed research would use a truth-revealing bidding mechanism to measure subjects’ willingness to accept or purchase food and other items from HIV-positive individuals, and evaluate the effect of interventions designed to reduce stigma on these outcomes. This research will elucidate the causes of HIV stigma and provide evidence on how manifestations of stigma can be reduced. The results will help inform the design of more effective anti-stigma interventions.