A BEHAVIORAL ECONOMIC ANALYSIS OF HIV VACCINE ACCEPTANCE IN THE UNITED STATES

Author

Promise Tewogbola, Southern Illinois University CarbondaleFollow

Date of Award

5-1-2024

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy

Department

Psychology

First Advisor

Jacobs, Eric

Abstract

Despite declining rates since the 1980s, HIV remains a significant public health concern in the US, especially among ethnic and sexual minorities, as well as other marginalized groups. This present dissertation addresses this challenge by using simulated markets to investigate the potential acceptance of HIV vaccines among at-risk population groups in the US. Four experiments were conducted to explore various factors influencing vaccine acceptance. Experiment 1 investigated the impact of vaccine-dependent factors, such as perceived dosage and mode of administration, on HIV vaccine demand. Experiment 2 assessed the effect of cost on the discounting of delayed but effective HIV vaccines. Experiment 3 examined the influence of cost on the discounting of uncertain but effective HIV vaccines. Experiment 4 explored how bundling HIV vaccines with complementary health commodities could enhance vaccine demand. The findings revealed that mucosal administration and a single-dose regimen had the most significant impact on vaccine demand. Additionally, the requirement to pay for vaccines led to more pronounced discounting of both delayed and uncertain vaccines, compared to when they were offered for free. Among the various health commodities examined, eye examinations and mental health counseling had the most significant impact on HIV vaccine demand when bundled. The dissertation also examined the effect of personal and interpersonal covariates on HIV vaccine acceptance. These findings aim to inform public health interventions and policy formulation regarding HIV vaccines, anticipating their widespread availability both in the US and globally.