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Public Health Policy at Scale: Impact of a Government-Sponsored Information Campaign on Infant Mortality in Denmark

Author

Listed:
  • Altindag, Onur

    (Bentley University)

  • Greve, Jane

    (VIVE - The Danish Centre for Social Science Research)

  • Tekin, Erdal

    (American University)

Abstract

We evaluate the impact of a nationwide public health intervention on deaths from sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), using population data from Denmark in a regression discontinuity research design. The information campaign–implemented primarily through a universal nurse home visiting program–reduced infant mortality by 17.2 percent and saved between 11.6-13.5 lives over 10,000 births. The estimated effect sizes are 11-14 times larger among low birthweight and preterm infants relative to the overall population. Improvement in infant mortality is concentrated among those with low socio-economic status and with limited access to health information, thereby reducing health inequities at birth.

Suggested Citation

  • Altindag, Onur & Greve, Jane & Tekin, Erdal, 2022. "Public Health Policy at Scale: Impact of a Government-Sponsored Information Campaign on Infant Mortality in Denmark," IZA Discussion Papers 15398, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    • Handle: RePEc:iza:izadps:dp15398
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    SIDS; information campaign; infant mortality; Denmark;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • I12 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Health Behavior
    • I24 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Education and Inequality
    • I18 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Government Policy; Regulation; Public Health

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