Economics Working Papers
Publication Date
5-2018
Number
18013
Abstract
We evaluate causal impacts of prenatal WIC participation on healthy birth outcomes, simultaneously accounting for self-selection of expectant mothers into WIC and systematic underreporting of program participation. In doing so, we extend existing partial identification methods to reflect the institutional details of the program. In particular, we allow for a richer measurement error model and apply a modified regression discontinuity design. Combining survey data from the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study Birth Cohort (ECLS-B) with administrative data from the USDA, our reduces the prevalence of unhealthy birth weight by at least 21 percent and unhealthy gestation duration by at least 9.9 percent.
JEL Classification
C14, C21, I12, I31, I38
Version History
Original Release Date: May 2018
Departments
Department of Economics, Iowa State University
File Format
application/pdf
Length
48 pages
Recommended Citation
Kreider, Brent; Pepper, John V.; and Roy, Manan, "Does the Women, Infants, and Children Program (WIC) Improve Infant Health Outcomes?" (2018). Economics Working Papers: Department of Economics, Iowa State University. 18013.
https://lib.dr.iastate.edu/econ_workingpapers/56
Included in
Behavioral Economics Commons, Econometrics Commons, Health Economics Commons, Social Welfare Commons
