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Economic instability, income, and unemployment effects on mortality: using SUR panel data in Iran

Author

Listed:
  • Haji Mohammad Neshat Ghojagh

    (Tarbiat Modares University)

  • Lotfali Agheli

    (Tarbiat Modares University)

  • Sajjad Faraji Dizaji

    (Tarbiat Modares University)

  • Mohammad Javad Kabir

    (Golestan University of Medical Sciences)

  • Vahid Taghvaee

    (University of Greifswald)

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the effects of socioeconomic factors on mortality in Iran. To this end, this research examines how economic instability, income, and unemployment affect mortality using a seemingly unrelated regression (SUR) with panel data for 30 provinces in Iran from 2004 to 2019. The results indicate that unemployment and mortality have a countercyclical relationship among the working age-groups 20–59 but a procyclical pattern among old-age (60+), except for rural mortality. This result is harmonious between employment and age-group mortality. This finding implies that unemployment increases mortality in working age-groups due to psychological stress and poverty risk. In addition, the income level decreases mortality in all ages over 40 years due to the provision of higher access to health and medical services and social welfare. However, it increases mortality in rural areas and age-group 20–39 because of their hazardous, unsafe, and stressful work conditions. Therefore, policymakers should plan for an inclusive economic growth to reduce poverty and out-of-pocket payments and increase the quality and accessibility of public health services, especially for beneficiaries of lower social groups. Moreover, they should adopt strategies to alleviate the burden of premature, preventable, and treatable deaths.

Suggested Citation

  • Haji Mohammad Neshat Ghojagh & Lotfali Agheli & Sajjad Faraji Dizaji & Mohammad Javad Kabir & Vahid Taghvaee, 2024. "Economic instability, income, and unemployment effects on mortality: using SUR panel data in Iran," International Journal of Health Economics and Management, Springer, vol. 24(4), pages 555-570, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:ijhcfe:v:24:y:2024:i:4:d:10.1007_s10754-024-09376-1
    DOI: 10.1007/s10754-024-09376-1
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Economic instability; Income; Unemployment; Mortality; Public health;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • I15 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Health and Economic Development
    • I18 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Government Policy; Regulation; Public Health

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