Do Social Networks Influence HIV-Related Behaviors? Evidence from Malawi

Presenter Information

Allison Kaminaga, Bryant UniversityFollow

Abstract

Analyzing data from a household survey in rural Malawi, this presentation will explore how social networks influence condom use, spousal communication about HIV/AIDS and infidelity. There are two objectives: 1. To determine if social networks have an influence on HIV-related behaviors and 2. To consider how this knowledge may contribute to the design or implementation of HIV prevention programs.

Proposal Summary

One of the greatest challenges in responding to the AIDS crisis is designing and implementing successful behavior modification programs. Widespread health education campaigns, such as ABC, “Abstain, Be Faithful or Wear a Condom,” have had some success in disseminating knowledge and information to communities affected by HIV and AIDS (Cohen 2004; USAID 2002). However, access to information does not always lead to behavioral changes. Inequality in bargaining power, local constraints and uncertainty about true costs and benefits can all be barriers to behavior modification. In the face of uncertainty, social networks may provide information and influence individual decision-making behavior (Banerjee 1992; Goolsbe and Klenow 2002; Bertrand 2000). In an effort to better understand individual behavioral choices in the context of HIV, this presentation empirically examines the influence of social networks on HIV-related behaviors in rural Malawi, including spousal communication, infidelity and condom use. Using a variety of econometric techniques, I analyze data from the Malawi Longitudinal Study of Families and Health and find that social networks may enhance or hinder the adoption of safe behavior. In the econometric analysis, I use lagged social network variables and fixed effects models to deal with some of the issues that complicate the estimation of social network effects. Most empirical studies are focused on the association between socio-demographic characteristics and HIV-related behaviors. This study contributes to that work by also examining the role of social networks. The findings suggest that there may be an opportunity to take advantage of existing social networks. Furthermore, there is a need for prevention policies and programs that are network-based in addition to individual approaches. Participants from this presentation will be able to explain how social networks influence HIV-related behaviors in rural Malawi. In addition, participants will be able to discuss how the presence of social network effects may impact prevention programs and policies.

Relevance And Significance

The presentation relates to the “Prevention and Intervention” track because the research findings suggest that social networks are influencing HIV-related behaviors. These findings suggest that there is a need to consider and if possible engage existing social networks when designing and implementing prevention programs and policies. This presentation also relates to the “Family and Community” track as it finds that those we interact with in our community influence many of our behaviors. The research for this presentation was conducted in rural areas of Malawi. Similar to many other rural areas, rural Malawi faces scarcity with regard to many resources. The findings of this research may have implications on ways to improve prevention programs leading to better outcomes and a more effective use of resources.

Session Format

Poster Session

Keywords

HIV/AIDS, Social networks, Social capital

Location

Room 129

Publication Type and Release Option

Presentation (Open Access)

Recommended Citation

Kaminaga, Allison, "Do Social Networks Influence HIV-Related Behaviors? Evidence from Malawi" (2014). 9th Annual Rural HIV Research and Training Conference (2014-2019). 11.
https://digitalcommons.georgiasouthern.edu/ruralhiv/2014/2014/11