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Mums Go Online: Is the Internet Changing the Demand for Health Care?

Authors :
Amaral-Garcia, Sofia
Nardotto, Mattia
Propper, Carol
Valletti, Tommaso
Source :
Review of Economics & Statistics; 2022, Vol. 104 Issue 6, p1157-1173, 17p, 1 Diagram, 3 Charts, 2 Graphs, 1 Map
Publication Year :
2022

Abstract

We study the effect of Internet diffusion on childbirth procedures performed in England between 2000 and 2011. We show that broadband Internet access increased cesarean sections (C-sections): mothers living in areas with better Internet access are 2.5% more likely to obtain a C-section. The effect is driven by first-time mothers who are 6% more likely to obtain a C-section. The increased C-section rate is not accompanied by changes in health care outcomes; thus health care costs increased with no corresponding medical benefits. We show evidence documenting the growing importance of the Internet as a source of health-related information. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
00346535
Volume :
104
Issue :
6
Database :
Complementary Index
Journal :
Review of Economics & Statistics
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
160232179
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1162/rest_a_01033