Trajectory of life expectancy and its relation with socio-economic indicators among developing countries in Southeast Asian

Abstract

Life expectancy is a one of key global health indicators and plays an important role in health policy measures. The status of a country indirectly influences the life expectancy of a nation.  Developing countries have slower economic progress compared to developed countries, which in turn affects the well-being of the population. Therefore, this study aims to analyze the trend of life expectancy among developing countries in Southeast Asian and assess the influence of socio-economic indicators in life expectancy. Linear mixed effects model is used to model the association between socioeconomic factors and life expectancy. The results indicate that GDP growth rate, GDP per capita, and unemployment rate have significant impact on life expectancy and the impacts depend on gender. Life expectancy among females is generally higher than males. Prediction of life expectancy in males in year 2025 is found the lowest in Myanmar with average of 64.2 years (95%CI: 60.8-77.1) and the highest in Thailand with average of 76.2 years (95%CI: 60.7-76.9). Meanwhile, prediction of life expectancy in females is found the lowest in Timor Leste with average of 71.1 years (95%CI: 67.8-83.9) and the highest in Thailand with average of 84.3 years (95%CI: 68.7-84.9).