Spatio-Temporal Comprehensive Measurement and Influencing Factors of the Health Index of Residents in the Yellow River Basin

Abstract

Health is the basis of human survival and development. It is not only related to quality of life but also guarantees national security and social stability. Under the combined influence of various factors, large regional differences exist with regard to the health levels of residents in the Yellow River Basin (YRB). Here, we took 73 prefecture-level cities (leagues and prefectures) in the YRB as our research object. We constructed an index system and a measurement model and applied geographical information system (GIS) technology and quantitative analysis methods to make comprehensive spatial and temporal measurements of the health index of residents in the YRB and further analyzed the influencing factors. Overall, the health index of residents in the YRB showed a steady upward trend. However, some differences exist across various regions with regard to residents’ health index. The YRB resident health index displayed positive spatial autocorrelation; spatial clustering showed an initial decrease, followed by an increase, suggesting notable fluctuations. With the increase in per capita GDP, urbanization rate, and household size, the health index of residents in the YRB has improved. However, increased wastewater and waste gas discharge has led to a decrease in the health index of residents in the YRB.