Asymmetric Effect of Business Cycles on Population Health: Evidence From the ASEAN Countries

Abstract

This study investigates the asymmetric effects of business cycles (measured by real GDP per capita) on population health (measured by life expectancy at birth) from the ASEAN countries, namely,

The Effect of Business Cycles on Health Expenditure: A Story of Income Inequality in China

“…However, there are some differences between emerging economies and developed economies in political, economic, and cultural aspects (35)(36)(37), and business cycles may have different effects on health expenditure. Second, most studies have discussed the counter-cyclical or pro-cyclical effects of business cycles on health expenditure from the following perspectives, such as medical affordability (6)(7)(8), environmental quality (9-13), universal healthcare (15), aging population (15), and population health (16)(17)(18)(19)(20)(21)(22)(23)(24)(25)(26). However, we find nearly no related studies that explore the above relationship from the role of income inequality.…”

“…The effect of business cycles on population health is mixed. Some literature indicates that the impact of business cycles on population health is pro-cyclical (16)(17)(18)(19)(20). In contrast, some studies suggest that population health is counter-cyclical with business cycles (21)(22)(23)(24).…”

“…Many interesting results have been found on the above issues, but there are still some gaps needed to be filled. First, most studies have discussed the relationship between business cycles and health expenditure in developed countries such as the United States and Europe (4,9), while limited studies have paid attention to this issue in emerging markets (6,20). However, there are some differences between emerging economies and developed economies in political, economic, and cultural aspects (35)(36)(37), and business cycles may have different effects on health expenditure.…”

“…For example, health expenditure is counter-cyclical with business cycles in low-income countries (14,15). Besides, health expenditure is directly related to population health, and the mixed relationship between business cycles and population health can make this issue more complicated (16)(17)(18)(19)(20)(21)(22)(23)(24)(25)(26). Many interesting findings of business cycles and health expenditure have been made, but rare literature focuses on this issue in China from the role of income inequality.…”

Does Economic Overheating Provide Positive Feedback on Population Health? Evidence From BRICS and ASEAN Countries

“…With the continuous accumulation of economic growth on the medical industry capital, the positive correlation between economic growth and population health appears more intuitively in the process of economic development (1,2). BRICS and ASEAN countries, 1 as representatives of emerging economies, have made profound changes in their health care systems to adapt to the huge demographic, political, economic and socio-cultural transformations brought about by their economic growth (3). As a result, business cycles may affect population health in emerging economies countries (4), as evidenced by the health care transformation triggered by investments in the health care industry, which is reflected in the declining cancer incidence in past 20 years.…”