The Journal of Human Resources
Political Stressors and Birth Outcomes
By Ezra Golberstein, Daniel Guth and David Slusky.
Abstract
Abstract We study political shocks as in-utero stressors, specifically the unexpected result of the 2016 U.S. presidential election. We investigate this shock using an innovative linkage: Colorado voter registrations and birth certificates, matched by sex, year, and name. While we do not find an effect on birth outcomes, we do find increased stress-related behaviors in pregnancy for Democrats and reduced prenatal care adequacy for Democrats and Independents, relative to Republicans. This adds new evidence on the effects of two-sided stressors, uses a novel data linkage, and expands the new economics area of politics as a determinant of health.
Keywords
- Maternal Mental Health During Pregnancy and Postpartum
- birth outcomes
- political stress
- pregnancy
- maternal health
- Open access
Source
Published in The Journal of Human Resources. The abstract is shown as published and remains the work of its authors; read the full article at the source.
Prognia lists this article for reference and education. It is not medical advice. Always read the original and follow current guidelines and local protocols before acting on it.