On the Association between HIV Knowledge and Risky Sexual Behavior in India?

Colorado College Working Paper No. 2012-03

15 Pages Posted: 15 May 2012

See all articles by Smriti Agarwal

Smriti Agarwal

London School of Economics & Political Science (LSE)

Pedro de Araujo

Colorado College

Date Written: April 11, 2012

Abstract

This paper estimates the association between HIV knowledge and risky sexual behavior in India. Using data from the third wave of the national demographic survey, we find that better HIV related knowledge does not always promote safer sexual practices. While, better HIV knowledge increases the likelihood of condom use, it also increases the likelihood of pre-marital sex, and reduces the likelihood of abstinence. These effects are much stronger for males when compared to females. These results also suggest, albeit indirectly, that informational and condom distribution campaigns are not necessarily promoting safer sexual practices in India.

Keywords: HIV/AIDS, Risky Behavior, India

JEL Classification: C13, C25, O53

Suggested Citation

Agarwal, Smriti and de Araujo, Pedro, On the Association between HIV Knowledge and Risky Sexual Behavior in India? (April 11, 2012). Colorado College Working Paper No. 2012-03, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2056530 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.2056530

Smriti Agarwal

London School of Economics & Political Science (LSE) ( email )

Pedro De Araujo (Contact Author)

Colorado College ( email )

14 E Cache La Poudre Street
Colorado Springs, CO 80903
United States

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