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The Impact Of Poor Health On Education: New Evidence Using Genetic Markers

Author

Listed:
  • Janet Audrain-McGovern

    (University of Pennsylvania)

  • Steven Lehrer
  • J. Niles Rosenquist

    (University of Pennsylvania)

Abstract

This paper examines the influence of health conditions on academic performance during adolescence. To account for the endogeneity of health outcomes and their interactions with risky behaviors we exploit natural variation within a set of genetic markers across individuals. We present strong evidence that these genetic markers serve as valid instruments with good statistical properties for ADHD, depression and obesity. They help to reveal a new dynamism from poor health to lower academic achievement with substantial heterogeneity in their impacts across genders. Our investigation further exposes the considerable challenges in identifying health impacts due to the prevalence of comorbid health conditions and endogenous health behaviors.

Suggested Citation

  • Janet Audrain-McGovern & Steven Lehrer & J. Niles Rosenquist, 2006. "The Impact Of Poor Health On Education: New Evidence Using Genetic Markers," Working Paper 1045, Economics Department, Queen's University.
    • Handle: RePEc:qed:wpaper:1045
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    health; education; genetic predisposition; obesity; ADHD; depression; instrumental variables; risky health behaviors;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • I1 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health
    • I2 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education
    • C21 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Single Equation Models; Single Variables - - - Cross-Sectional Models; Spatial Models; Treatment Effect Models

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