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Are extensions in paid parental leave associated with lower infant and neonatal mortality in Latin American cities? Evidence from 148 cities in Chile, Mexico, and Colombia (2000–2015)

Author

Listed:
  • Validova, Asiya
  • Uruchima, Jessica
  • Yamada, Goro
  • Vives, Alejandra
  • Schnake-Mahl, Alina
  • Friche, Amélia Augusta de Lima
  • Braverman, Ariela
  • Sanchez, Brisa
  • Santa-Ramírez, Hugo-Alejandro
  • Chiquillo, Laura Baldovino
  • Alazraqui, Marcio
  • Mazariegos, Monica
  • Perner, Mónica Serena
  • Sarmiento, Olga Lucia
  • Doberti, Tamara
  • Barrientos-Gutierrez, Tonatiuh
  • Caiaffa, Waleska Teixeira
  • Diez Roux, Ana V.
  • Ortigoza, Ana

Abstract

We examined changes in infant and neonatal mortality that occurred after extension in the minimum number of days of paid maternity leave and after the implementation of paid paternity leave in 148 cities using longitudinal city-level data (2000-2015) from Chile, Colombia, and Mexico, compiled and harmonized by the Salud Urbana en America Latina (SALURBAL) study. For Chile we also explored variations in these associations according to the mother’s educational attainment as a measure of family socioeconomic standing. We employed interrupted time series analysis in country-specific models, adjusted by time-variant socioeconomic characteristics such as the percent of the population with secondary education and above, and GDP per capita at the city level.

Suggested Citation

  • Validova, Asiya & Uruchima, Jessica & Yamada, Goro & Vives, Alejandra & Schnake-Mahl, Alina & Friche, Amélia Augusta de Lima & Braverman, Ariela & Sanchez, Brisa & Santa-Ramírez, Hugo-Alejandro & Chiq, 2025. "Are extensions in paid parental leave associated with lower infant and neonatal mortality in Latin American cities? Evidence from 148 cities in Chile, Mexico, and Colombia (2000–2015)," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 372(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:socmed:v:372:y:2025:i:c:s0277953625003016
    DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2025.117971
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    References listed on IDEAS

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