Universität zu Köln

Imran, Khalid (2024). Essays in Applied Microeconomics. PhD thesis, Universität zu Köln.

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Abstract

This thesis explores critical aspects of women's health in low and middle-income countries (LMICs) through three distinct essays, employing rigorous quasi-experimental and experimental methodologies. The research focuses on how cultural norms, financial barriers, and policy interventions shape health-related behaviors and decisions, particularly for women. The first essay examines the impact of son preference on child health and household consumption in rural Bangladesh. Using a linear regression model and difference-in-differences-in-differences (DDD) framework, it reveals that the presence of a second-born female child positively affects the first-born's health outcomes but negatively impacts household dietary diversity. The second essay investigates the effect of reaching the legal marriage age on women's health investments in India. Utilizing a regression discontinuity design (RDD), the study finds significant improvements in health indicators, such as BMI and dietary patterns, when women turn 18, suggesting increased health investments in anticipation of marriage. The third essay addresses antimicrobial resistance and self-medication practices in rural Bangladesh through a randomized control trial (RCT). It evaluates the effectiveness of information interventions, combined with behavioral nudges or transport subsidies, in reducing unnecessary antibiotic use and increasing visits to qualified healthcare providers. Collectively, these studies contribute to our understanding of health capital formation and its socio-economic determinants in developing countries, highlighting the complex interplay between gender, age, and healthcare decision-making in building human capital. The findings offer valuable insights for policymakers and stakeholders committed to improving women's health and reducing gender disparities in LMICs.

Item Type:	Thesis (PhD thesis)
Creators:	Creators Email ORCID ORCID Put Code Imran, Khalid khalid_imran@hstu.ac.bd UNSPECIFIED UNSPECIFIED
Contributors:	Contribution Name Email Author Imran, Khalid khalid_imran@hstu.ac.bd
URN:	urn:nbn:de:hbz:38-740086
Date:	2024
Language:	English
Faculty:	Faculty of Management, Economy and Social Sciences
Divisions:	Faculty of Management, Economics and Social Sciences > Business Administration > Health Economics > Professorship for Business Administration and Health Care Management
Subjects:	Economics
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Keywords Language Son preference, Marriage market, Antimicrobial resistance, Randomized control trial (RCT), Visual cue, Information intervention. English
Date of oral exam:	11 October 2024
Referee:	Name Academic Title Wiesen, Daniel Prof. Dr. Goette, Lorenz Prof. Dr. Kuntz, Ludwig Prof. Dr.
Refereed:	Yes
URI:	http://kups.ub.uni-koeln.de/id/eprint/74008