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Call the midwife. Health personnel and mortality in Norway 1887–1920

Author

Listed:
  • Andreas Kotsadam

    (Ragnar Frisch Centre for Economic Research)

  • Jo Thori Lind

    (University of Oslo)

  • Jørgen Modalsli

    (Oslo Metropolitan University
    Research Department, Statistics Norway)

Abstract

At the turn of the twentieth century, Norway, like many other countries, experienced a decrease in mortality and a substantial increase in the number of health personnel. In order to assess how these changes were connected, we investigate the relationship between health personnel and mortality using data at the medical district level ( $$N=106$$ N = 106 ) covering a period of 34 years. We find a large and robust effect of midwives on reduced maternal mortality in rural areas, but no effect in urban areas. No clear effect is found for other types of health personnel or on infant mortality. The results demonstrate the important role played by public health investments during the period.

Suggested Citation

  • Andreas Kotsadam & Jo Thori Lind & Jørgen Modalsli, 2022. "Call the midwife. Health personnel and mortality in Norway 1887–1920," Cliometrica, Springer;Cliometric Society (Association Francaise de Cliométrie), vol. 16(2), pages 243-276, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:cliomt:v:16:y:2022:i:2:d:10.1007_s11698-021-00230-9
    DOI: 10.1007/s11698-021-00230-9
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Lazuka, Volha & Sandholt Jensen, Peter, 2021. "Multigenerational Effects of Smallpox Vaccination," Lund Papers in Economic History 232, Lund University, Department of Economic History.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Health policy; Public service provision; History; Mortality;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • H41 - Public Economics - - Publicly Provided Goods - - - Public Goods
    • I18 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Government Policy; Regulation; Public Health
    • N33 - Economic History - - Labor and Consumers, Demography, Education, Health, Welfare, Income, Wealth, Religion, and Philanthropy - - - Europe: Pre-1913

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