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Demand for self‐tests: Evidence from a Becker–DeGroot–Marschak mechanism field experiment

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  • Patrick Aylward
  • Hildah Essendi
  • Kristen Little
  • Nicholas Wilson

Abstract

Self‐tests offer one approach for reducing frictions underlying low demand for preventive health inputs, yet there is little evidence on demand for self‐tests. We used the Becker–DeGroot–Marschak mechanism—an incentive‐compatible approach—to elicit exact willingness to pay (WTP) for HIV self‐tests in a field experiment with 822 participants at 66 health clinics/pharmacies in Kenya. Our analysis reveals substantial demand at low prices and highly elastic demand at a wide range of prices above this range. We find few participants with nonpositive WTP. We examine correlates of WTP and discuss policy and research implications of our findings.

Suggested Citation

  • Patrick Aylward & Hildah Essendi & Kristen Little & Nicholas Wilson, 2020. "Demand for self‐tests: Evidence from a Becker–DeGroot–Marschak mechanism field experiment," Health Economics, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 29(4), pages 489-507, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:hlthec:v:29:y:2020:i:4:p:489-507
    DOI: 10.1002/hec.3998
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