How a nation’s well-being influences its health profile: an analysis of critical indicators

Iulia Cristina Iuga (), Raluca Andreea Nerişanu () and Horia Iuga ()
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Iulia Cristina Iuga: “1 Decembrie 1918” University from Alba Iulia
Raluca Andreea Nerişanu: University Lucian Blaga of Sibiu
Horia Iuga: “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy

The European Journal of Health Economics, 2025, vol. 26, issue 8, No 8, 1439-1457

Abstract: Abstract This study examines the impact of macroeconomic well-being indicators—GDP, health spending as a percentage of GDP, and the unemployment rate—on the prevalence of chronic diseases, including circulatory and respiratory diseases and diabetes mellitus, across 27 European Union countries over 21 years. Utilizing advanced econometric methods like General Method of Moments, Structural Equation Modeling, and wavelet coherence analysis, the research reveals that higher GDP correlates with increased disease prevalence, while greater health spending reduces it. The unemployment rate significantly affects diabetes prevalence. The study introduces the “Economic Prosperity and Chronic Disease Paradox,” theory, which suggests that economic growth, while improving healthcare access and living standards, paradoxically increases chronic disease rates due to lifestyle changes such as unhealthy diets, sedentary behavior, and pollution. This theory highlights the need for strategic public health policies to counteract these adverse effects and promote sustainable health outcomes amidst economic development.

Keywords: Macroeconomic well-being indicators; General method of moments; Structural equation modeling; Wavelet coherence analysis; Circulatory diseases; Respiratory diseases; Diabetes mellitus; J11; I11; J14; C23 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1007/s10198-025-01777-4

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