Economics ETDs

Publication Date

Spring 5-16-2026

Abstract

Abstract

This dissertation examines how air quality and public attention to environmental shock affect perceived health status and healthcare utilization. The first chapter uses publicly available survey data from BRFSS and a triple difference framework to analyze the effects of the 2018 wildfire season in Oregon on self-reported mental and physical health. Findings indicate that those in Oregon in 2018, during the period of heightened attention to wildfire smoke, experienced approximately 1.4 additional poor mental health days, on average. The second chapter includes Merative MarketScan commercial insurance claims data to test whether these changes translate into a behavioral response. Results show that the same time periods were associated with higher spending, ranging from $0.65 to $2.00 per enrollee per day. Finally, Chapter 3 combines healthcare claims data with EPA AQI data to find that healthcare encounters rose by 4.5-8% with increased exposure to higher AQI categories.

Degree Name

Economics

Level of Degree

Doctoral

Department Name

Department of Economics

First Committee Member (Chair)

Dr. David van der Goes

Second Committee Member

Dr. Richard Santos

Third Committee Member

Dr. Andrew Goodkind

Fourth Committee Member

Dr. John Ney

Language

English

Keywords

air quality, healthcare utilization, wildfire smoke

Document Type

Dissertation

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