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The impact of the Female Secondary School Stipend Program on child health

Author

Listed:
  • Shahjahan, Md
  • La Mattina, Giulia
  • Ayyagari, Padmaja

Abstract

In this study, we examine the inter-generational effects of the 1994 Female Secondary School Stipend Program (FSSSP) on child health inputs and child health outcomes in Bangladesh. Prior studies have shown that the FSSSP significantly increased secondary schooling among rural girls. Applying a difference-in-differences model based on differential exposure to FSSSP by birth cohort and rural residence, we find that full immunization rates increased by 4.2 percentage points among children of mothers eligible for a stipend for 5 years relative to children of mothers who were not eligible, but there were no significant effects for children of mothers eligible for a stipend for only 2 years. We also find improvements in other health inputs (e.g., antenatal care) and in child health outcomes (e.g., mortality). We also explore changes in marriage, fertility, autonomy, labor supply, and media exposure, which may contribute to the observed improvements in child health.

Suggested Citation

  • Shahjahan, Md & La Mattina, Giulia & Ayyagari, Padmaja, 2025. "The impact of the Female Secondary School Stipend Program on child health," Journal of Health Economics, Elsevier, vol. 102(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jhecon:v:102:y:2025:i:c:s0167629625000591
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jhealeco.2025.103024
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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • H52 - Public Economics - - National Government Expenditures and Related Policies - - - Government Expenditures and Education
    • I12 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Health Behavior
    • J13 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Fertility; Family Planning; Child Care; Children; Youth
    • O12 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Microeconomic Analyses of Economic Development

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