Depression in the House: The Effects of Household Air Pollution from Solid Fuel Use in China

29 Pages Posted: 14 Oct 2019

See all articles by Yan Liu

Yan Liu

Beijing Institute of Technology

Xi Chen

Yale School of Public Health - Department of Health Policy and Management; Yale University - Yale Institution for Social and Policy Studies

Zhijun Yan

Beijing Institute of Technology

Abstract

While adverse health effects of ambient air pollution have been well documented, there is scarce evidence on the impact of household air pollution (HAP) on mental health. We investigated the causal link between HAP exposure from the use of solid fuel on depressive symptoms using a nationally representative dataset of middle-aged and older population in China. Employing the propensity match score method (PSM), matching and adjusting for potential confounders, we found significantly higher Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) score and risk of depressive symptoms among solid fuel users than clean fuel users. These associations were especially stronger for older females who were less educated, of lower income, of higher body mass index, or had chronic diseases.

Keywords: depression, household solid fuel use, household air pollution, propensity score matching, CHARLS

JEL Classification: I31, Q51, Q53

Suggested Citation

Liu, Yan and Chen, Xi and Yan, Zhijun, Depression in the House: The Effects of Household Air Pollution from Solid Fuel Use in China. IZA Discussion Paper No. 12654, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3468602 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.3468602

Yan Liu (Contact Author)

Beijing Institute of Technology

5 South Zhongguancun street
Center for Energy and Environmental Policy Researc
Beijing, Haidian District 100081
China

Xi Chen

Yale School of Public Health - Department of Health Policy and Management ( email )

60 College St
New Haven, CT 06520
United States

Yale University - Yale Institution for Social and Policy Studies ( email )

77 Prospect Street
New Haven, CT 06520
United States

HOME PAGE: http://isps.yale.edu/team/xi-chen

Zhijun Yan

Beijing Institute of Technology ( email )

5 South Zhongguancun street
Beijing, Haidian District 100081
China

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