Impact of Child Tax Credit Payments on Substance Use in Parents
Author Information
Author(s): Donahoe J. Travis PhD, Brown-Podgorski Brittany L. PhD, Gaire Sabin MS, Krans Elizabeth E. MD MSc, Jarlenski Marian PhD
Primary Institution: University of Pittsburgh
Hypothesis
Were 2021 advance child tax credit monthly payments associated with changes in substance use among parents?
Conclusion
The study found that the advance child tax credit payments were associated with reduced tobacco use among parents, with no significant increase in other substance use.
Supporting Evidence
- ACTC monthly payments were associated with a 4.3 percentage point decline in tobacco use among parents.
- Parents who smoked reduced their cigarette consumption by 46.8 percentage points.
- There were no significant changes in alcohol, cannabis, or illicit substance use among parents.
Takeaway
When parents received extra money from the child tax credit, they smoked less tobacco, but it didn't make them use more alcohol or drugs.
Methodology
The study used difference-in-differences models to analyze data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health.
Potential Biases
Potential underreporting of substance use behaviors by respondents.
Limitations
Measurement errors in survey data and changes in survey methods may bias results.
Participant Demographics
The sample included adults aged 18 to 64 years, with 17,308 being parents.
Statistical Information
P-Value
-4.3
Confidence Interval
95% CI, -6.6 to -2.0
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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