The Value of Reducing HIV Stigma

Social Science & Medicine 151 (2016) 233-240

Posted: 21 Sep 2018

Date Written: 2016

Abstract

HIV-stigma is a major reason why HIV continues to be a global epidemic. Interventions targeting HIV-stigma are therefore necessary. To find an intervention that is worthwhile, a Cost-Benefit Analysis is needed which compares costs and benefits. There are many documented costs of HIV-stigma. What is missing is a valuation of the benefits of reducing HIV-stigma. The purpose of this paper is to present a general method that can be used to value the benefits of stigma reduction programs. The method involves estimating the marginal rate of substitution (MRS) between stigma and income in the utility function of older people with HIV. To illustrate how our framework can be used, we applied it to a sample of just over 900 people coming from the 2005-06 ROAH study (Research on Older Adults with HIV) in New York City.

Keywords: HIV-Stigma, Valuing Benefits, Older People

Suggested Citation

Brent, Robert J, The Value of Reducing HIV Stigma (2016). Social Science & Medicine 151 (2016) 233-240, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3241023

Robert J Brent (Contact Author)

Fordham University ( email )

Department of Economics
441 E Fordham Road
Bronx, NY 10458
United States
718 817 4058 (Phone)

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