Beyond the medical effects: The impact of HIV treatment on knowledge and stigma in Malawi
Link to article:
Authors:
Sopi, Emira
Year:
2024
Reference:
Andre skrifter
Master thesis, University of Oslo
Summary
Despite the phenomenal medical progress in HIV/AIDS with the creation of life-saving HIV treatment, challenges persist. Local misbeliefs and prejudices reduce the demand for HIV testing and treatment, making it hard to prevent new infections. This thesis explores the effect of access to HIV treatment on knowledge and stigma in the community in Malawi. Using a difference-in-differences model with staggered roll-out of HIV treatment clinics, I find that access to treatment significantly increases comprehensive knowledge and reduces stigmatizing attitudes. Knowledge about the prevention of mother to child transmission was not affected by access to treatment. These findings highlight the importance of the availability of treatment beyond the direct medical effects.
