Exploring Determinants of Life Expectancy: A Comprehensive Analysis of Health, Socioeconomic, and Environmental Factors in European Countries

Year 2024, Volume: 10 Issue: 1, 1 - 14, 30.06.2024

Serdar Aydın , Eunice Mulenda

Abstract

This paper aims to construct a comprehensive conceptual model for understanding and assessing the variables influencing life expectancy in European countries. A systematic review of relevant literature was conducted, analyzing 53 European countries and exploring the impact of health, socioeconomic, environmental, and demographic factors on life expectancy. The relationship between life expectancy and these factors were analyzed using univariate analysis which examined key statistics, bivariate analysis, which was used to identify relationships among variables. A linear multivariate regression analysis was used to construct a model that reveals the effect of the different variables on life expectancy. Life expectancy is a multi-dimensional construct influenced by current health expenditure, death rate, GNI, and fertility rate. The study revealed significant correlations, with health spending and GNI positively affecting life expectancy, while higher fertility rates and death rates are associated with decreased life expectancy. The conceptual model proposed requires empirical validation. The study predominantly focused on developed countries, and findings may not be universally applicable, particularly in diverse cultural contexts. The findings offer valuable insights for policymakers, emphasizing the need for strategic investments in healthcare and targeted interventions to balance fertility rates. The nuanced relationships identified provide a basis for evidence-based public health policies. This paper consolidates and examines recent findings on life expectancy determinants in European countries, presenting a comprehensive conceptual model. By synthesizing diverse research, it offers a holistic view of factors impacting life expectancy, contributing to the understanding of population health.

Keywords

: Life expectancy, socioeconomic and health factors, public health

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