Two essays on health and health behavior in China

This thesis consists of two empirical studies on elderly mental health and on health behaviors. The first study investigates the long-term impact of childhood hunger on mental health in later life, using data from two nationally representative surveys in China. The study finds that childhood hunger exposure significantly increases the risks of depression and anxiety in later life. These effects are most pronounced among individuals exposed after age 5, suggesting that autobiographical memory formation plays an important role beyond socioeconomic and health pathways. The findings further indicate these impacts can be mitigated through economic interventions, such as welfare programs, and psychosocial support, including co-residing with children. The second study evaluates the behavioral and clinical effects of health information provision in China, where health screening is lacking. This study uses data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS), which provides respondents with blood pressure test results in each survey round. Leveraging a regression discontinuity design around different clinical hypertension thresholds, we demonstrate that individuals who receive blood pressure screening information: (1) initiate preventive behaviors when reaching pre-hypertension levels, and (2) show significant blood pressure reductions at follow-up. These effects are particularly pronounced among rural populations and less-educated individuals. Our findings highlight how routine screening programs could improve early detection and reduce cardiovascular disease burden in China's primary healthcare system, with important implications for addressing health disparities.