The Effects of Health Expenditures on Socioeconomic Indicators and Health Status: A Canonical Correlation Analysis
Main Article Content
Abstract
Objective: This study investigates the complex relationship between socioeconomic indicators and health outcomes across countries, with a particular focus on the role of healthcare expenditures in shaping public health.
Methods: Using 2019 data obtained from international sources such as the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), World Bank, World Health Organization, and Eurostat, canonical correlation analysis was employed. Socioeconomic indicators—including population density, growth rate, unemployment rate, per capita Gross Domestic Product (GDP), and education level—were treated as independent variables, while health outcomes—such as infant mortality, life expectancy, noncommunicable disease mortality, immunization rates, and tobacco use—served as dependent variables. The analyses were conducted using SPSS 22.0, supported by Wilks’ Lambda test statistics.
Results: The results indicate that key socioeconomic indicators, particularly education level, unemployment rate, and per capita GDP, significantly influence public health. Higher education levels are associated with improved health outcomes, while unemployment and lower economic indicators correspond to deteriorating health metrics. Increased healthcare spending correlates with reductions in infant mortality and improvements in life expectancy.
Conclusion: Socioeconomic conditions are integral to the design of effective and equitable health policies. Rather than merely increasing health expenditures, their strategic allocation is essential for meaningful improvements in public health. Educational advancement plays a pivotal role in reducing health disparities. Future research should explore comparative evaluations of healthcare systems using longitudinal and cross-national data.
Cite this article as: Bulut C, Altıntaş T. The effects of health expenditures on socioeconomic indicators and health status: A canonical correlation analysis. Arch Health Sci Res. 2025, 12, 0030, doi: 10.5152/ArcHealthSciRes.2025.25030.