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The Causal Effect of Health on Social and Economic Prosperity: Methods and Findings

Thomas, Duncan. (2009). The Causal Effect of Health on Social and Economic Prosperity: Methods and Findings. Health Economic Growth Framework Paper.

Thomas, Duncan. (2009). The Causal Effect of Health on Social and Economic Prosperity: Methods and Findings. Health Economic Growth Framework Paper.

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Socio-economic status (SES) and health go hand in hand: better off people tend to be in better health across the globe, within populations and over the life course. A critical review of both experimental and non-experimental evidence indicates that, in some contexts, health has a causal impact on SES. Fetal health and health in early life appear to affect health and economic prosperity in later life. Changes in health during adulthood also affect work outcomes and wealth. Overall, the strongest evidence for a causal impact of health on economic success is reflected in the impact of improved nutrition on economic productivity. There is little scien
tific evidence on the dynamic interplay between health and behavioral choices that affect economic outcomes over the longer term. Unparalleled opport unities exist for making major contributions to knowledge that have the potential to have a lasting impact on the well-being of populations across the globe.




JOUR



Thomas, Duncan



2009


Health Economic Growth Framework Paper













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