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Economic policy uncertainty, health status, and mortality

Author

Listed:
  • Huang, Wei
  • Lei, Xiaoyan
  • Yu, Miao

Abstract

Using data from 1985 to 2018 across up to 17 countries, this study shows that higher levels of economic policy uncertainty (EPU) are associated with reduced mortality rates and improved health outcomes, particularly among individuals aged 65 years and above. Notably, fatalities of most causes decrease with rising EPU, while suicide is an exception. Further investigation into potential explanations for the observed health improvement suggests that increased EPU is linked to individuals spending more time on self-care and leisure activities, adopting better health behaviors and reducing their labor supply. (JEL Classifications: E32, I10, I12, P36)

Suggested Citation

  • Huang, Wei & Lei, Xiaoyan & Yu, Miao, 2024. "Economic policy uncertainty, health status, and mortality," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 362(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:socmed:v:362:y:2024:i:c:s0277953624006804
    DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2024.117227
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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • E32 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Prices, Business Fluctuations, and Cycles - - - Business Fluctuations; Cycles
    • I10 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - General
    • I12 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Health Behavior
    • P36 - Political Economy and Comparative Economic Systems - - Socialist Institutions and Their Transitions - - - Consumer Economics; Health; Education and Training; Welfare, Income, Wealth, and Poverty

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