DETERMINANTS OF LIFE EXPECTANCY IN MINT COUNTRIES

Abstract

This study investigated the determinants of life expectancy in the MINT countries from 2000-2018. Variables used are adult literacy rate, fertility rate, number of physicians per 1000 population, people using at least basic drinking water services percentage of population, people using at least basic sanitation services percentages of population, government current expenditure on health and per capita income were assessed. The second-generation econometric methods were employed; cross sectional dependence, slope homogeneity and Westerlund cointegration test as wee as the panel multiple regression. Findings confirm the following; First, cross-sectional dependence and slope heterogeneity exist among the MINT countries. Second, there is a long run relationship between life expectancy and variables used. Third, of the variables included in the model, adult literacy rate, fertility rate, people using at least basic drinking water services percentage of population, government current expenditure on health and per capita income are were found to be significant in explaining life expectancy in MINT countries. The study recommended that there is the need for lowering the cost of education to improve the literacy rate, higher income levels employment of skilled health personnel to man the health system, population control as well as increasing budget for health expenditure are top priority in order to improve life expectancy. This no doubt will keep the country in their attempt to attain sustainable development come 2030.