The developmental origins of health

Abstract

This paper argues that health economists should consider the costs and benefits of preventing rather than treating disease. It sketches a developmental approach to health that examines the costs and benefits of interventions over the life cycle.

Figures

Figure 1

A Life Cycle Framework for The Development of Capabilities θt = (θC,t,θN,t,θH,t) capacities at t It: investment at t θt,B background factors (context) θt+1 = ft(θt, It,θt,B)

Figure 2

The Causal E ect of Education Beyond Compulsory Schooling on Health and Healthy Behaviors Source: Conti et al. (2010a,b), British Cohort Study 1970