Effects of Economic Growth on Health Outcomes: A Panel Data Study of Sub-Saharan Africa
Author (s)
Ajak Michael Bul & Ogeto Robert Moracha
Abstract
This paper takes an extra look at the debate of economic growth as a trendy issue in the world and predominantly a deep-rooted distress of Sub-Saharan Africa and Africa (SSA) as a whole. The study investigates the effect of economic growth on health in Sub-Saharan Africa with data from 1991-2015 using pooled OLS and two-ways fixed effect method as captured by infant mortality rate, fertility rate, and life expectancy total, (years) with other explanatory variables. The result shows that economic growth and health outcomes have a statistically strong negative significant relationship. The analysis showed that economic growth decreases infant mortality rates and fertility rate through the provision of healthcare services and improves life expectancy as well. In addition, other variables including agriculture, services, and population significantly affects health outcomes, while per capita income (GDPPC) unveils more effect on health in SSA. The findings of this study recommend that economic growth remains a vital determinant in improving health outcomes in Sub-Saharan African countries, though SSA is characterized by an unstable trend of economic growth and poor health facilities.
Key words: Economic growth, Health, Sub-Saharan Africa, panel data study.
| Title: | Effects of Economic Growth on Health Outcomes: A Panel Data Study of Sub-Saharan Africa |
|---|---|
| Author: |
Ajak Michael Bul & Ogeto Robert Moracha |
| Journal Name: | International Journal of Science and Business |
| Website: | ijsab.com |
| ISSN: | ISSN 2520-4750 (Online), ISSN 2521-3040 (Print) |
| DOI: | https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.3736314 |
| Media: | Online |
| Volume: | 4 |
| Issue: | 4 |
| Acceptance Date: | 31/03/2020 |
| Date of Publication: | 02/04/2020 |
| PDF URL: | https://ijsab.com/wp-content/uploads/513.pdf |
| Free download: | Available |
| Page: | 35-60 |
| First Page: | 35 |
| Last Page: | 60 |
| Paper Type: | Research Paper |
| Current Status: | Published |
Cite This Article:
Ajak Michael Bul & Ogeto Robert Moracha (2020). Effects of Economic Growth on Health Outcomes: A Panel Data Study of Sub-Saharan Africa. International Journal of Science and Business, 4(4), 35-60. doi: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.3736314
Retrieved from https://ijsab.com/wp-content/uploads/513.pdf
About Author (s)
Ajak Michael Bul, (Corresponding Author), Renmin University of China, School of Economics, Beijing.
Ogeto Robert Moracha, University of International Business and Economics, Beijing, 100029 China.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.3736314