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

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  • Onur Altindag
  • Jane Greve
  • Erdal Tekin

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

  • Onur Altindag & Jane Greve & Erdal Tekin, 2021. "Public Health Policy at Scale: Impact of a Government-sponsored Information Campaign on Infant Mortality in Denmark," NBER Working Papers 28621, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    • Handle: RePEc:nbr:nberwo:28621
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

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

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