Publication: Methodological Issues in the Study of the Socioeconomic Consequences of HIV/AIDS
No Thumbnail Available
Published
2008
ISSN
1473-5571 (Electronic)
0269-9370 (Linking)
Date
2012-03-30
Author(s)
De Weerdt, J.
Editor(s)
Abstract
Rigorous empirical research on the socioeconomic effects of AIDS is important for developing appropriate strategies to mitigate impacts and ultimately improve living standards. This paper provides a broad overview of the challenges in studying the impact of the epidemic on individuals, households and economies, drawing examples from existing studies. We start with a discussion of macro-economic studies and argue that they reach vastly different conclusions about the impact of AIDS, depending on what parameter assumptions they make. Whereas microstudies could provide insights into some of these parameters and effects, there are many technical hurdles to overcome. We discuss the use of comparator groups, spillover effects, longitudinal datasets and the time horizons of studies. Under scrutiny of these technical requirements, the existing empirical evidence of the impoverishing effects of AIDS deaths on African households seems unexpectedly limited. After many years of study, large gaps remain in the empirical literature with regard to our understanding of the magnitude and heterogeneity of these impacts. We conclude that the literature thus far has not convincingly shown that AIDS is the main contributor to low levels and high inequities of socioeconomic outcomes in Africa. Demand for research on the causal impact of HIV/AIDS on poverty is only increasing with the scaling up of antiretroviral treatment.
Link to Data Set
Digital Object Identifier
Associated content
Other publications in this report series
Journal
Journal Volume
Journal Issue
Collections
Related items
Showing items related by metadata.
Publication Exploring the Links between HIV/AIDS, Social Capital, and Development(World Bank, Washington, DC, 2008-07)This paper attempts to quantify the impact of the HIV/AIDS epidemic on social capital with cross-country data. Using data from the World Values Survey, the authors estimate reduced-form regressions of the main determinants of social capital controlling for HIV prevalence, institutional quality, social distance, and economic indicators. The results obtained indicate that HIV prevalence affects social capital negatively. The empirical estimates suggest that a one standard deviation increase in HIV prevalence will lead to a decline of at least 1 percent in trust, controlling for other determinants of social capital. Moving from a country with a relatively low level of HIV prevalence, such as Estonia, to a country with a relatively high level, such as Uganda, there is a more than 11 percent point decline in social capital. These results are robust in a number of dimensions and highlight the empirical importance of an additional mechanism through which HIV/AIDS hinders the development process.Publication Strengthening the Education Sector : Response to HIV/AIDS in the Caribbean(Washington, DC : World Bank, 2008-01-29)This report the findings and outcomes of the three joint UNESCO/World Bank missions to Guyana, Jamaica, and St. Lucia, and elaborates on next steps identified for action at both national and regional levels. The report also sets these findings and next steps within the broader context of the Caribbean plan for action and presents in its appendixes sample resources to guide the development of a comprehensive response to Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (HIV&AIDS) by the education sector. The priority placed on the education sector's response is based on evidence that education contributes towards the knowledge and personal skills essential for the prevention of HIV, and protects individuals, families, communities, institutions, and nations from the impact of AIDS. Education helps to overcome the conditions that facilitate the spread of HIV and can create the understanding and tolerance that contribute to reduced stigma and discrimination against vulnerable and marginalized communities and people living with HIV. The CARICOM regional body in the Caribbean, as well as leadership at the national level, has demonstrated commitment to accelerating the education sector response to HIV&AIDS. To fully maximize efforts at the national and regional levels, including (i) information and research; (ii) capacity building for planning, decision- making and coordination; (iii) strengthening teacher education and learning materials; and (iv) stigma, discrimination and human rights, including attention to cultural differences, will be addressed more systematically.Publication Blood Services in Central Asian Health Systems : A Clear and Present Danger of Spreading HIV/AIDS and Other Infectious Diseases(Washington, DC, 2008-05)The report discusses inter-related parts of blood transfusions systems, and presents an overview of the parts that need to be strengthened in Central Asia. Numerous parts are in serious need of organizational restructuring, new investment and increased budgetary support for operation and maintenance. This report sets them out such that each can be addressed in turn and some simultaneously. The report also discusses the health threat posed by alarmingly low levels of blood supplies, fostered by a culture that places little value on donating blood, public fear of being infected by giving blood, and the near absence of donor promotion campaigns.Publication Blood Services in Central Asian Health Systems : A Clear and Present Danger of Spreading HIV/AIDS and Other Infectious Diseases(World Bank, Washington, DC, 2008-05)The report discusses inter-related parts of blood transfusions systems, and presents an overview of the parts that need to be strengthened in Central Asia. Numerous parts are in serious need of organizational restructuring, new investment and increased budgetary support for operation and maintenance. This report sets them out such that each can be addressed in turn and some simultaneously. The report also discusses the health threat posed by alarmingly low levels of blood supplies, fostered by a culture that places little value on donating blood, public fear of being infected by giving blood, and the near absence of donor promotion campaigns.Publication Lesotho : The Development Impact of HIV/AIDS Selected Issues and Options(Washington, DC, 2000-10-18)This report aims to provide an overview of selected likely development impact of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) for Lesotho. The purpose is to engage in a dialogue with the Government, relevant stakeholders and the donor community on the appropriate actions to pursue in support of the Government's recently developed strategy on the epidemic. This report is to assist policy makers in Lesotho in their effort to incorporate HIV/AIDS into the planning process on a regular basis. As such, it is directed at officials at the ministries of finance and development planning. It employs conventional demographic and economic models to analyze selected development impacts of HIV/AIDS on the economy, thereby providing an illustration of how these impacts can be incorporated in the regular planning processes (including annual budgeting) in the finance and development ministries of the Government. It points out the need for monitoring the progression of the epidemic through further research and improvements in existing instruments. The report identifies three areas where the HIV/AIDS impact is severe and need further appropriate studies: a) household; b) public sector; and c) integration of HIV/AIDS into planning models and decision making.
Users also downloaded
Showing related downloaded files
No results found.