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The difference-in-difference method: Assessing the selection bias in the effects of neighborhood environment on health

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  • Grafova, Irina B.
  • Freedman, Vicki A.
  • Lurie, Nicole
  • Kumar, Rizie
  • Rogowski, Jeannette

Abstract

This paper uses the difference-in-difference estimation approach to explore the self-selection bias in estimating the effect of neighborhood economic environment on self-assessed health among older adults. The results indicate that there is evidence of downward bias in the conventional estimates of the effect of neighborhood economic disadvantage on self-reported health, representing a lower bound of the true effect.

Suggested Citation

  • Grafova, Irina B. & Freedman, Vicki A. & Lurie, Nicole & Kumar, Rizie & Rogowski, Jeannette, 2014. "The difference-in-difference method: Assessing the selection bias in the effects of neighborhood environment on health," Economics & Human Biology, Elsevier, vol. 13(C), pages 20-33.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ehbiol:v:13:y:2014:i:c:p:20-33
    DOI: 10.1016/j.ehb.2013.03.007
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