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The impact of water supply and sanitation on infant mortality: Individual-level evidence from Tartu, Estonia, 1897–1900

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  • Hannaliis Jaadla
  • Allan Puur

Abstract

Evidence from a number of historical studies has demonstrated a strong impact of the provision of clean water on mortality risks, while no clear effect has been reported in others. We investigated the relationship between water supply, sanitation, and infant survival in Tartu, a university town in Estonia, 1897–1900. Based on data from parish registers, which were linked to the first census of the Russian Empire, the analysis reveals a clear disadvantage for infants in households using surface water, compared with families that acquired water from groundwater or artesian wells. The impact is stronger in the later stages of infancy. Competing-risk analysis shows that the effect is more pronounced for deaths caused by diseases of the digestive system. Our findings suggest that it may have been possible to improve the water supply, and consequently reduce infant mortality, before the introduction of piped water and sewage systems.

Suggested Citation

  • Hannaliis Jaadla & Allan Puur, 2016. "The impact of water supply and sanitation on infant mortality: Individual-level evidence from Tartu, Estonia, 1897–1900," Population Studies, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 70(2), pages 163-179, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:rpstxx:v:70:y:2016:i:2:p:163-179
    DOI: 10.1080/00324728.2016.1176237
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    Cited by:

    1. Filippo Temporin, 2020. "How Does Deprivation Affect Early-Age Mortality? Patterns of Socioeconomic Determinants of Neonatal and Postneonatal Mortality in Bolivia," Demography, Springer;Population Association of America (PAA), vol. 57(5), pages 1681-1704, October.
    2. Mallesh Ummalla & Asharani Samal & Abdulrasheed Zakari & Sathu Lingamurthy, 2022. "The effect of sanitation and safe drinking water on child mortality and life expectancy: Evidence from a global sample of 100 countries," Australian Economic Papers, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 61(4), pages 778-797, December.
    3. Gallardo Albarrán, Daniel, 2024. "The Global Sanitary Revolution in Historical Perspective," CEPR Discussion Papers 18754, C.E.P.R. Discussion Papers.
    4. Liczbińska, Grażyna & Czapla, Zbigniew & Piontek, Janusz & Malina, Robert M., 2018. "Age at menarche in Polish University students born before, during and after World War II: Economic effects," Economics & Human Biology, Elsevier, vol. 28(C), pages 23-28.
    5. Inoue, Tatsuki & Ogasawara, Kota, 2020. "Chain effects of clean water: The Mills–Reincke phenomenon in early 20th-century Japan," Economics & Human Biology, Elsevier, vol. 36(C).

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