Mothers’ perceived HIV status, self-rated health, and children’s schooling in rural Mozambique

Women’s HIV status has been shown to affect parental investments in children’s education, but little research has addressed how this relationship is affected by changes in women’s perceived health condition. Using data from a longitudinal survey conducted in southern Mozambique in 2009 and 2011, we study the role of mothers’ self-rated health on the association between perceived HIV status and children’s schooling. More specifically, we investigate how mother's perceived HIV status and their health assessment in 2009 and 2011 affect children's school enrollment and attendance. Results suggest that for mothers who think they are HIV positive, a change in their health status significantly affect children’s school outcomes.