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Bridging the gap for Roma: The effects of an ethnically targeted program on prenatal care and child health

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  • Mitrut, Andreea
  • Tudor, Simona

Abstract

This study uses quasi-experimental variation from a public health program implemented in Romania that targeted Roma, Europe's largest and most disadvantaged ethnic minority. The program employed health mediators to increase the provision of information about already existing, free of charge health services available for children and pregnant women. We find that, in rural areas, the program led to large increases in prenatal care take-up rates but no improvements in children's health at birth. However, we find significant reductions in infant mortality caused by perinatal complications.

Suggested Citation

  • Mitrut, Andreea & Tudor, Simona, 2018. "Bridging the gap for Roma: The effects of an ethnically targeted program on prenatal care and child health," Journal of Public Economics, Elsevier, vol. 165(C), pages 114-132.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:pubeco:v:165:y:2018:i:c:p:114-132
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jpubeco.2018.07.007
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    Cited by:

    1. Khan, Qaisar & Wang, Shun, 2021. "The effect of family planning exposure on fertility choices and reproductive health care in rural Pakistan," Journal of Asian Economics, Elsevier, vol. 73(C).

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Roma; Program take-up; Health at birth; Information provision;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • I14 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Health and Inequality
    • I30 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Welfare, Well-Being, and Poverty - - - General
    • H40 - Public Economics - - Publicly Provided Goods - - - General
    • J13 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Fertility; Family Planning; Child Care; Children; Youth
    • J15 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Economics of Minorities, Races, Indigenous Peoples, and Immigrants; Non-labor Discrimination

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