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Mums Go Online: Is the Internet Changing the Demand for Health Care?
- 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]
- Subjects :
- MEDICAL care
MEDICAL care costs
INTERNET
Subjects
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