Quantitative study on socioeconomic determinants of life expectancy in Beijing, China

Abstract

Objective To explore the socioeconomic factors associated with life expectancy in Beijing, and to predict future trends. Methods The linear stepwise regression model was used to construct the relationship between life expectancy and socioeconomic factors. Results The model showed that there were four factors associated with life expectancy in Beijing. Floor space available per rural resident (P = 0.000) and GDP per capita (P = 0.022) correlated positively with life expectancy, while the rural population proportion (P = 0.010) and illiteracy rate (P = 0.001) correlated negatively with life expectancy. Conclusion There is a close relationship between life expectancy and socioeconomic factors. The constructed model can be used as a rapid tool to project life expectancy in Beijing. It is possible to improve life expectancy continuously with sustained development of socioeconomic conditions in Beijing, China. © 2009 Blackwell Publishing Asia Pty Ltd and Chinese Cochrane Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University.