Investigation of the Relationship between Health and Economic Indicators in Selected Countries, 2004-2011

Although demographic factors, such as age, sex, and race play a role in determining health, financial resources play a more important role in this area. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the relationship between health and economic indicators in selected countries.
This descriptive–analytical study was conducted using the panel data of 176 countries for a period of 8 years (2004-2011). The data were extracted from the statistics of World Health Organization and the World Bank. Then, the data were analyzed using Stata software and Generalized Least Square regression methods. In addition, purchasing power parity was used to compare various currencies.
The mean of life expectancy was 78, 69, 58, and 70 years in developed countries, developing countries, countries with minimum standards of development, and economic transition stages countries, respectively. The results showed a significant relationship between life expectancy and gross domestic product per capita, health expenditures per capita, and development of countries (Confidence interval: 95%).
The present study findings demonstrated that the increase in the society members’ income per capita and investment in the health sector were directly related to increase in health status. Hence, developing countries with limited resources, such as Iran, can reach higher levels of health status by more and more effective investment in the health sector and cost management.