Harnessing education to combat chronic and fatal diseases: A comprehensive empirical study of cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes, and respiratory illnesses in MENA countries

Abstract

This study explored the transformative potential of education in lowering mortality rates associated with chronic and fatal diseases. By analyzing empirical data from MENA countries over an 18-year period (2000–2018) using a robust panel econometric model, we reveal compelling evidence of the protective effects of education against cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes, and chronic respiratory diseases. Employing fixed effects, Robust Weighted Least Squares (RWLS), and Fully Modified OLS (FMOLS) techniques, this study showed a significant negative correlation between education level and mortality rate. These findings emphasize that education is a crucial determinant of health outcomes and advocate for increased investment in educational infrastructure. Policymakers and stakeholders are urged to prioritize education as a strategic tool to enhance public health and address health disparities across the region.

Keywords

• Education–chronic and fatal diseases
• Fundamental cause theory
• Human capital theory
• RWLS–FMOLS