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Long‐Term Effects of Famine on Chronic Diseases: Evidence from China's Great Leap Forward Famine

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  • Xue Feng Hu
  • Gordon G. Liu
  • Maoyong Fan

Abstract

We evaluate the long‐term effects of famine on chronic diseases using China's Great Leap Forward Famine as a natural experiment. Using a unique health survey, we explore the heterogeneity of famine intensity across regions and find strong evidence supporting both the adverse effect and the selection effect. The two offsetting effects co‐exist and their magnitudes vary in different age cohorts at the onset of famine. The selection effect is dominant among the prenatal/infant famine‐exposed cohort, while the adverse effect appears dominant among the childhood/puberty famine‐exposed cohort. The net famine effects are more salient in rural residents and non‐migrants subsamples. Gender differences are also found, and are sensitive to smoking and drinking behaviors. Our conclusion is robust to various specifications. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Suggested Citation

  • Xue Feng Hu & Gordon G. Liu & Maoyong Fan, 2017. "Long‐Term Effects of Famine on Chronic Diseases: Evidence from China's Great Leap Forward Famine," Health Economics, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 26(7), pages 922-936, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:hlthec:v:26:y:2017:i:7:p:922-936
    DOI: 10.1002/hec.3371
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    3. Yiru Wang, 2023. "Famine and matching by socioeconomic status—evidence from the Great Chinese Famine," Review of Economics of the Household, Springer, vol. 21(3), pages 855-912, September.

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