International Journal of Public Health (May 2023)

Associations Between Gender Gaps in Life Expectancy, Air Pollution, and Urbanization: A Global Assessment With Bayesian Spatiotemporal Modeling

  • Zhoupeng Ren,
  • Zhoupeng Ren,
  • Shaobin Wang,
  • Xianglong Liu,
  • Xianglong Liu,
  • Qian Yin,
  • Qian Yin,
  • Junfu Fan

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3389/ijph.2023.1605345
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 68

Abstract

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Objectives: It’s evident that women have a longer life expectancy than men. This study investigates the spatiotemporal trends of gender gaps in life expectancy (GGLE). It demonstrates the spatiotemporal difference of the influence factors of population-weighted air pollution (pwPM2.5) and urbanization on GGLE.Methods: Panel data on GGLE and influencing factors from 134 countries from 1960 to 2018 are collected. The Bayesian spatiotemporal model is performed.Results: The results show an obvious spatial heterogeneity worldwide with a continuously increasing trend of GGLE. Bayesian spatiotemporal regression reveals a significant positive relationship between pwPM2.5, urbanization, and GGLE with the spatial random effects. Further, the regression coefficients present obvious geographic disparities across space worldwide.Conclusion: In sum, social-economic development and air quality improvement should be considered comprehensively in global policy to make a fair chance for both genders to maximize their health gains.

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