Abstract
Public health plays an important role in the spectrum of economic indicators. Simultaneously, the competitiveness of countries is a key economic indicator, and this interconnection requires special attention, especially in the decision-making process of public policies. The main objective of the presented study was to evaluate the effects of selected health indicators on the competitiveness of developed countries. The following health variables were collected for the analysed period from 2010 to 2018: four variables of Life Expectancy (LE) and three variables of Perceived Health Status (PHS). Each variable was observed from the perspective of gender differentiation and gender inequalities. The Global Competitiveness Index (GCI) was also used in the analyses as an economic variable. The research sample included all countries of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). The analytical data processing consisted of descriptive analysis, difference analysis (Wilcoxon Test), regression analysis (Panel regression model) and correlation analysis (Spearman's ρ). Regarding the results, all health variables showed differences between men and women. The results of the regression analysis revealed a very strong and significant effect of LE and PHS on the competitiveness of individual economies. The correlation analysis confirmed all relations. Improving the health of men and women is likely to increase the competitiveness of developed countries. As a result, it provides space for further research and policy-making in each country.
Highlights
In economic theory, it is proclaimed that good health is very important in supporting the economic situation of countries
The main objective of the presented study was to evaluate the effects of selected health indicators on the competitiveness of developed countries
The average life expectancy increased from 66.7 years to 77.9 years, indicating some elimination of differences (Megyesiova & Lieskovska, 2018). These facts were confirmed by research studies that deal with gender inequalities in life expectancy and self-rated health, while the findings showed a longer life for Indian women, but their perceptions of health were worse (Bora & Saikia, 2015).This phenomenon is called the male-female health-survival paradox, which expresses the fact that, despite the poor health status of women, men show a higher level of mortality due to biological, behavioural and social differences between the sexes (Oksuzyan et al, 2010; Van Oyen et al, 2013)
Summary
It is proclaimed that good health is very important in supporting the economic situation of countries. There is a lack of research activities examining health inequalities and their effect on the competitiveness of countries. For this reason, research that fills this gap is necessary and beneficial, as health and competitiveness are considered to be key aspects of a country's economic life. The main objective of the presented study was to evaluate the effects of selected health indicators on the competitiveness of developed countries. The research included analytical procedures to achieve this objective, namely a descriptive analysis, an analysis of differences between men and women in life expectancy and perceived health status, and a regression analysis that examined the effects of these health indicators on the competitiveness of OECD countries. The main findings are summarized and the research platform for future research in this area is formed
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
