COVID-19 and mortality among infants: Evidence from India

B-Tier
Journal: Journal of Health Economics
Year: 2025
Volume: 101
Issue: C

Authors (3)

Asker, Erdal (not in RePEc) Dhongde, Shatakshee (not in RePEc) Shonchoy, Abu S. (Florida International Universi...)

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

We present the first survey-based evidence on infant mortality in a developing country during the COVID-19 pandemic. Employing high-quality, nationally representative data from India, our analyses document a significant rise in mortality rates among infants during a six month period in 2020 covering the pandemic and the ensuing lockdown. The difference-in-differences estimates show that mortality among infants at ages 1, 3, and 6 months increased by about 9, 13, and 16 deaths per 1000 births, corresponding to an increase of 30, 42, and 44 percent, respectively. Since COVID-19 had minimal direct impact on infant mortality, our estimates likely capture some of the indirect effects on infant mortality through income shocks, reduced healthcare access, and behavioral changes such as avoidance of hospitals for maternal care during this period.

Technical Details

RePEc Handle
repec:eee:jhecon:v:101:y:2025:i:c:s0167629625000256
Journal Field
Health
Author Count
3
Added to Database
2026-01-25