Incentives to Increase Non-Communicable Disease Screening Rates

Study Context

As Sub-Saharan Africa undergoes an epidemiological transition, the prevalence of non- communicable diseases such as hypertension and diabetes has been increasing. These diseases are easily detectable and amenable to treatment, yet throughout the continent screening and treatment take-up rates are low; e.g. only seven percent of hypertensive adults in Tanzania are on medication.

Study Design

This study will test to what extent hypertension and diabetes screening in Tanzania can be increased via low-cost and scalable text messaging that provides patient information about the diseases and where to obtain free screening. The research team will then map the demand function for screening by testing the effectiveness of offsetting travel and time costs via a subsidy payment, as well as testing the effectiveness of a larger incentive payment.

Results and Policy Lessons

Results forthcoming.