Internet access, beliefs about HIV transmission and HIV–AIDS testing among women in Cameroon

Abstract

This study highlights the influence of Internet access and beliefs about HIV transmission on HIV–AIDS testing among women in Cameroon. The analysis covers a sample of 5958 women, from the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS 5) of Cameroon (NIS [2015]. Enquête par grappes à indicateurs multiples (MICS5), 2014, Base de données). The econometric results reveal that the probability of having high access to the internet positively influences the likelihood of getting tested for HIV–AIDS. In addition, established beliefs about AIDS can encourage women to get tested for HIV–AIDS. Also, women who are poor are the most likely to be tested for HIV–AIDS.

KEYWORDS:

• Internet
• beliefs
• HIV–AIDS
• women
• poverty

JEL:

• D12
• I10
• I11
• L82
• L96
• D83

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Data availability statement

I confirm that the data supporting the findings of this study are available within the article [and/or] its supplementary materials.

Notes

1 MICS.

2 NIS.

3 The dependent variable and the explanatory variable.

4 See Lollivier (2001).

5 See Brunet and Havet (2009).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Mathieu Juliot Mpabe Bodjongo

Mathieu Juliot Mpabe bodjongo is a lecturer in the Department of Public Economics, Faculty of Economics and Management, University of Dschang. Her research area is Economics of Religion, Health Economics, Agricultural and Rural Economy and Environmental Economy.