Should Early Health Investments Work? Evidence from a Randomized Controlled Trial of a Complex Early-Childhood Intervention

Deirdre Coy and Orla Doyle

Journal of Human Capital, 2024, vol. 18, issue 1, 74 - 104

Abstract: Evidence about the effect of early intervention on childhood health is inconsistent. Using a randomized controlled trial, we examine the effect of an Irish early-intervention program on the development of health capital in the first 5 years of life. The treatment provides intensive parenting supports including home visits and parenting classes from pregnancy until school entry. Modest effects by age 4 are found and are mainly driven by reduced hospital attendance attributed to improved earlier health. In sum, the program has limited effects on children’s health capital in the short run despite demonstrating large effects on other dimensions of human capital.

Date: 2024
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