Perceived health status and economic growth in terms of gender-oriented inequalities in the OECD countries

Abstract

Health affects both individual and economic life, and this fact is undeniable. Reducing health inequalities in socioeconomic groups is a proclaimed topic, not only in scientific discussions, but also in the discussions of the international organizations dealing with public health. The main aim of this article is to assess the relations between gender inequalities in perceived health status and economic growth in the OECD countries. The analyses include the variables of economic growth and self-rated health status in terms of gender-oriented inequalities in the period of 2010-2017. The analytical data processing was carried out using the methods of descriptive analysis, analysis of differences and the methods of causal relationships-regression and correlation analyses. The findings confirm that gender inequalities in perceived health status have a significant impact on economic growth. The findings also reveal that men report better health than women. The present study emphasizes that policy makers should focus on reducing gender health inequalities and recommends the actions in the area of health prevention and health education. Reducing health inequalities between men and women can lead to a reduction in gender inequalities in perceived health status, which will be reflected in increased economic growth, based on the results of this study.