Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 6, 2026

Assessment of Child Anthropometry in a Large Epidemiologic Study
Published on: February 2, 2017
Does teenage childbearing increase smoking, drinking and body size?
Dinand Webbink1, Nicholas G Martin2, Peter M Visscher2
1CPB Netherlands Bureau for Economic Policy Analysis and SCHOLAR, University of Amsterdam, P.O. Box 80510, 2508 GM, The Hague, The Netherlands.
Abstract:
This paper analyses the causal effect of teenage childbearing on smoking, drinking and body size using a sample of Australian twins and their relatives. Fixed effects estimates on samples of siblings, all twin pairs and identical twin pairs show that teenage mothers smoke more during their lives. Teen mothers tend to have a higher probability of being overweight, especially if they are older than 40 years. Their spouses are more likely to smoke and drink more. The quality of the spouse seems to be an important mechanism through which teenage childbearing affects subsequent maternal health.
Related Concept Videos
Stress Prevention and Stress Management Techniques IV
Signs of Puberty
Regression Toward the Mean
Nature and Nurture
Lifestyle Factors and Health
Benefits of Physical Activity
Physical activity, whether through structured exercise or casual activities like walking, biking, or dancing, is a cornerstone of a...
Statistical Methods for Analyzing Epidemiological Data

