How Do Gender Inequalities in Health Relate to the Competitiveness of Developed Countries? An Empirical Study

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.

Board Gender Diversity and Corporate Social Performance in Different Industry Groups: Evidence from China

“…Thirdly, we have utilized only the quantitative approach for our study. Combining survey data with in-depth interviews or certain other qualitative methods may result in more insightful outcomes as different studies have already called on researchers for working on boardroom's behavioral processes and dynamics [103][104][105][106]. Fourthly, our study focus on ESG risk parameters of Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) and Standards and Poor's (S&P) whereby the weights to the constituent parameters of risk exposure are assigned in the perspective of economic impact.…”

Access to health services and health inequalities in remote and rural areas

“…A policy for reducing health inequalities should reduce or remove health status differences or health inequities caused by unfair and avoidable factors [12]. Regional and geographical differences [14] in the availability of healthcare services including infrastructure, equipment, and number of health professionals exist. They exist both between and within developed and developing countries and both between and within urban, semi-urban and rural areas.…”

“…There is a positive impact of good health on various aspects of economic life in countries, including productivity, [15] income, [15] consumption, as well as economic growth. [14][15] Access to quality health care is a significant factor in promoting the economic growth of a country [14][15]. Poor health reduces work hours, efficiency [14] and recreational time.…”

Quantile panel-type analysis for income inequality and healthcare expenditure

“…In contrast, financial globalization, particularly foreign direct investment inward, is associated with increased inequality. Furthermore, Gavurova et al (2020) evaluate the effects of selected health indicators on the competitiveness of developed countries; they find that improve the health of men and women is likely to increase the competitiveness of developed countries. Finally, Puciato et al (2020) think that lowered household income leads to a constrained fulfillment of individual and collective needs, significantly impacting the unemployed's quality of life and perceived health condition.…”