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Improving childhood immunization through maternal support: Evidence from a randomized intervention in Pakistan

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  • Delavande, Adeline
  • Shahab, Areeba
  • Younas, Javed
  • Zafar, Basit

Abstract

We evaluate the effectiveness of randomized interventions aimed at alleviating behavioral barriers — such as maternal stress and psychological strain, limited future-oriented thinking, and information frictions — for early childhood immunization uptake in a sample of Pakistani mothers with infants. A phone-delivered intervention providing light psychological support as well as visualization and planning techniques increases the total number of vaccines received by young children by 0.3, or 7% of the control mean, one year after baseline. We also find that the intervention improves maternal knowledge, attitudes, and perceived returns to vaccination. However, supplementing this intervention with vaccination-related information from influencers does not yield additional benefits in this context.

Suggested Citation

  • Delavande, Adeline & Shahab, Areeba & Younas, Javed & Zafar, Basit, 2026. "Improving childhood immunization through maternal support: Evidence from a randomized intervention in Pakistan," Journal of Development Economics, Elsevier, vol. 182(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:deveco:v:182:y:2026:i:c:s030438782600091x
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jdeveco.2026.103808
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    JEL classification:

    • I12 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Health Behavior
    • J10 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - General
    • C8 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Data Collection and Data Estimation Methodology; Computer Programs

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