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Family income and child health in the UK

Author

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  • Apouey, Bénédicte
  • Geoffard, Pierre-Yves

Abstract

Recent studies examining the relationship between family income and child health in the UK have produced mixed findings. We re-examine the income gradient in child general health and its evolution with child age in this country, using a very large sample of British children. We find that there is no correlation between income and child general health at ages 0–1, that the gradient emerges around age 2 and is constant from age 2 to age 17. In addition, we show that the gradient remains large and significant when we reduce the endogeneity of income. Furthermore, our results indicate that the gradient in general health reflects a greater prevalence of chronic conditions among low-income children and a greater severity of these conditions. Taken together, these findings suggest that income does matter for child health in the UK and may play a role in the intergenerational transmission of socioeconomic status.

Suggested Citation

  • Apouey, Bénédicte & Geoffard, Pierre-Yves, 2013. "Family income and child health in the UK," Journal of Health Economics, Elsevier, vol. 32(4), pages 715-727.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jhecon:v:32:y:2013:i:4:p:715-727
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jhealeco.2013.03.006
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Child health; Family income; Income gradient; Health inequality; Use of health care services;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • I1 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health

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