The impact of the Female Secondary School Stipend Program on child health

B-Tier
Journal: Journal of Health Economics
Year: 2025
Volume: 102
Issue: C

Authors (3)

Shahjahan, Md (not in RePEc) La Mattina, Giulia (not in RePEc) Ayyagari, Padmaja (University of South Florida)

Score contribution per author:

0.670 = (α=2.01 / 3 authors) × 1.0x B-tier

α: calibrated so average coauthorship-adjusted count equals average raw count

Abstract

In this study, we examine the inter-generational effects of the 1994 Female Secondary School Stipend Program (FSSSP) on child health inputs and child health outcomes in Bangladesh. Prior studies have shown that the FSSSP significantly increased secondary schooling among rural girls. Applying a difference-in-differences model based on differential exposure to FSSSP by birth cohort and rural residence, we find that full immunization rates increased by 4.2 percentage points among children of mothers eligible for a stipend for 5 years relative to children of mothers who were not eligible, but there were no significant effects for children of mothers eligible for a stipend for only 2 years. We also find improvements in other health inputs (e.g., antenatal care) and in child health outcomes (e.g., mortality). We also explore changes in marriage, fertility, autonomy, labor supply, and media exposure, which may contribute to the observed improvements in child health.

Technical Details

RePEc Handle
repec:eee:jhecon:v:102:y:2025:i:c:s0167629625000591
Journal Field
Health
Author Count
3
Added to Database
2026-01-24