Evaluation of economic strengthening in South Africa and its impact on HIV, sexually transmitted infections, and teenage births: A modelling study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

High incidence rates of HIV, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and teenage pregnancy are major challenges facing South Africa. The role of socio-economic factors in driving these incidence rates is complex, with high socio-economic status protecting against some risk behaviours (condomless sex, early sexual debut, and casual/transactional sex in females) but increasing other risk behaviours (e.g., male engagement in casual and commercial sex). We aimed to model the effect of socio-economic status, and associated economic strengthening interventions, in South Africa.

Methods and findings

We extended a previously-developed agent-based model of HIV, STIs, and fertility in South Africa to assess effects of education, employment, and per capita household income o

SUBMITTER: Johnson LF 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12714221 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature