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Leveraging technology to promote women's health: Evidence from a pilot program

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  • Ahmad, Hamna
  • Hussain, Sadia
  • Nazif, Muhammad Ahmed

Abstract

We investigate the causal impact of offering telehealth services to female microfinance borrowers on their health and bargaining power in the household. Using a balanced panel of 1218 female borrowers, we observe a positive impact of offering telehealth services on self-reported physical and mental health of treated relative to control women. Treated women seek healthcare more proactively; they are more likely to consult a doctor and they do so sooner, as compared to control women. In addition, treated women report greater inclusion in household decision-making. We also find positive spillover effects of offering telehealth services within the household, where we observe a greater likelihood of the spouse and children (of treated women) to seek health care.

Suggested Citation

  • Ahmad, Hamna & Hussain, Sadia & Nazif, Muhammad Ahmed, 2021. "Leveraging technology to promote women's health: Evidence from a pilot program," GLO Discussion Paper Series 939, Global Labor Organization (GLO).
    • Handle: RePEc:zbw:glodps:n939
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Keywords

    health microinsurance; telehealth; physical health; mental health; Pakistan;
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