Replication data for: Traditional Beliefs and Learning about Maternal Risk in Zambia

Principal Investigator(s): View help for Principal Investigator(s) Nava Ashraf; Erica Field; Giuditta Rusconi; Alessandra Voena; Roberta Ziparo

Version: View help for Version V1

Name	File Type	Size	Last Modified
P2017_1106_data			10/12/2019 12:02:PM
LICENSE.txt	text/plain	14.6 KB	10/12/2019 08:02:AM

Project Citation:

Ashraf, Nava, Field, Erica, Rusconi, Giuditta, Voena, Alessandra, and Ziparo, Roberta. Replication data for: Traditional Beliefs and Learning about Maternal Risk in Zambia. Nashville, TN: American Economic Association [publisher], 2017. Ann Arbor, MI: Inter-university Consortium for Political and Social Research [distributor], 2019-10-12. https://doi.org/10.3886/E113529V1

Project Description

Summary: Maternal mortality remains very high in many parts of the developing world, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. While maternal deaths are observable, it may not be straightforward for individuals to learn about risk factors. This paper utilizes novel data on male and female perceptions of maternal risk in Zambia to document that superstitions about causes of maternal mortality are pervasive and to uncover evidence that such beliefs impede learning about maternal health risk levels and correlates. In our data, people who hold traditional beliefs disregard past birth complications completely in assessing future risk, unlike those who hold modern beliefs.

Scope of Project

JEL Classification:
      I11 Analysis of Health Care Markets
      I12 Health Behavior
      I14 Health and Inequality
      I18 Health: Government Policy; Regulation; Public Health
      J13 Fertility; Family Planning; Child Care; Children; Youth
      J16 Economics of Gender; Non-labor Discrimination
      O15 Economic Development: Human Resources; Human Development; Income Distribution; Migration

Related Publications

Download this project

Published Versions

V1 [2019-10-12]

Export Metadata

Dublin Core

DDI 2.5

Report a Problem

Found a serious problem with the data, such as disclosure risk or copyrighted content? Let us know.

This material is distributed exactly as received from the data depositor. As of April 2026, depositors are required to submit study materials in accessible formats. ICPSR has not reviewed, checked, or processed this material. For additional information about the study, please contact the investigator(s) directly. If you have questions about the accessibility of materials distributed by ICPSR or require further assistance, please visit ICPSR's Accessibility Center.