Date Available
8-2-2013
Year of Publication
2013
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Document Type
Master's Thesis
College
Agriculture
Department/School/Program
Agricultural Economics
First Advisor
Dr. Alison F. Davis
Abstract
A large body of research, typically nationally focused, has examined the relationship between family structure, educational attainment, and healthcare access. Within this field of study, there is limited availability of regionally based studies, specifically the Lower Mississippi Delta (LMD) region. This exploratory study examines the effects of family structure on high school graduation rates and health insurance coverage within the LMD region. The objective is to determine if family structure has a direct impact on the educational attainment and health outcomes of a child within the region using concepts from nationally focused literature. Through the use of an OLS regression, we find that family structure does not have a strong impact on the educational attainment of children within the region. However, we did find that family structure had a strong impact on the health insurance coverage of youth within the region. Additionally, we examine the impact that spatial location and race has on these variables. These results can encourage the development of potential intervention programs, outreach initiatives, and other programs geared toward helping youth within the region. The study's conclusions provide insight on the impact of family structure on health and education thus encouraging further research within the LDM region.
Recommended Citation
Smith, Chaquenta L., "EFFECTS OF FAMILY STRUCTURE ON EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT AND HEALTH INSURANCE COVERAGE OF YOUTH IN THE LOWER MISSISSIPPI DELTA REGION" (2013). Theses and Dissertations--Agricultural Economics. 17.
https://uknowledge.uky.edu/agecon_etds/17
