语言培训、难民的医疗卫生体系融入与下一代健康

中文摘要

利用挪威一项强制参加300小时语言培训课程的政策改革，我考察了一项综合性语言培训项目的多代健康效应。我发现，该项目不仅对难民长期融入医疗卫生体系具有显著的积极影响，而且有益于下一代的健康。该项目使难民抵达后12年内初级保健服务的累计使用量提高了44%。研究提出，这一增长可能部分源于难民劳动力市场依附程度的提高和经济状况的改善。该项目还给难民子女的出生健康带来了溢出收益，使早产、低出生体重和出生身长偏短的发生率降低了21%至49%。这些代际效应可能通过家庭环境和孕期母亲保健的显著改善发挥作用。• 针对难民的语言培训带来了显著的多代健康收益。• 一项300小时的培训项目使难民在12年内对初级保健服务的使用量提高了44%。• 劳动力市场依附程度和经济状况的改善是关键的潜在机制。• 难民子女出生时健康问题的发生率降低了21%至49%。• 家庭环境和产前保健的改善可能是产生代际健康收益的传导渠道。

Abstract

Exploiting a policy reform mandating participation in a 300-h language training course in Norway, I investigate the multigenerational health effects of a comprehensive language training program. I document the significant positive impacts of the program, not only on the long-term integration of refugees into the healthcare system but also on the health of the next generation. The program improves the cumulative use of primary care services for 12 years after arrival by 44%. This increase is proposed to partially work through refugees’ increased labor market attachment and economic success. The program also results in spillover benefits for the health at birth of the children of refugees with 21–49% decreases in premature birth, low birth weight, and short birth length. These intergenerational effects probably operate via significant improvements in the home environment and maternal care during pregnancy. • Language training for refugees causes significant multigenerational health benefits. • A 300-h program increases refugees' use of primary care services by 44% over 12 years. • Improved labor market attachment and economic success are the key potential mechanisms. • Refugee children experience 21–49% reductions in health problems at birth. • Improved home environments and prenatal care are the possible channels behind the intergenerational health benefits.