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

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.