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The long-term impacts of breastfeeding on educational attainment of adults

Author

Listed:
  • Md Mohsan Khudri

    (Austin College)

  • Andrew Hussey

    (University of Memphis
    IZA)

Abstract

Using data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health, we examine the impact of breastfeeding on the likelihood of obtaining a college degree and attending graduate school. Using a doubly robust estimation technique, we find that having been breastfed is linked to an increased probability of obtaining a college degree, but its association with graduate school attendance is largely insignificant. The effect on college degree attainment is primarily concentrated among males, blacks, and whites. Investigating potential mechanisms, we find evidence that part of these effects is operating through the impact of breastfeeding on adolescents’ cognitive ability.

Suggested Citation

  • Md Mohsan Khudri & Andrew Hussey, 2025. "The long-term impacts of breastfeeding on educational attainment of adults," Review of Economics of the Household, Springer, vol. 23(4), pages 1279-1300, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:reveho:v:23:y:2025:i:4:d:10.1007_s11150-025-09798-x
    DOI: 10.1007/s11150-025-09798-x
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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • I12 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Health Behavior
    • I23 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Higher Education; Research Institutions
    • J15 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Economics of Minorities, Races, Indigenous Peoples, and Immigrants; Non-labor Discrimination
    • I18 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Government Policy; Regulation; Public Health
    • C21 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Single Equation Models; Single Variables - - - Cross-Sectional Models; Spatial Models; Treatment Effect Models

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