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# Iodine Deficiency and Schooling Attainment in Tanzania

Authors: Field, Erica; Robles, Omar; Torero, Maximo

Source: American Economic Journal: Applied Economics, Volume 1, Number 4, October 2009, pp. 140-169(30)

Publisher: American Economic Association

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### Abstract:

Cognitive damage from iodine deficiency disorders (IDD) has important implications for economic growth through its effect on human capital. To gauge the magnitude of this influence, we evaluate the impact on schooling of reductions in IDD from intensive iodine supplementation in Tanzania. Our findings suggest a large effect of in utero iodine on cognition and human capital: treated children attain an estimated 0.35–0.56 years of additional schooling relative to siblings and older and younger peers. Furthermore, the effect appears to be substantially larger for girls, consistent with laboratory evidence indicating greater cognitive sensitivity of female fetuses to maternal thyroid deprivation.

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Document Type: Research Article

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1257/app.1.4.140

Publication date: October 1, 2009

More about this publication?

- American Economic Journal: Applied Economics publishes papers covering a range of topics in applied economics, with a focus on empirical microeconomic issues.
  American Economic Journal: Applied Economics publishes papers covering a range of topics in applied economics, with a focus on empirical microeconomic issues.
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