Regional differences in healthy life expectancy in The Netherlands

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Health Economics

Background:

• Healthy life expectancy research has primarily focused on national healthcare systems, neglecting regional variations.
• Understanding regional disparities in healthy life expectancy is crucial for targeted public health interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe regional variations in healthy life expectancy at birth and at age 65 for men and women in the Netherlands.
• To explore factors associated with these regional differences in healthy life expectancy.

Main Methods:

• An ecological study was conducted across 27 healthcare regions in the Netherlands.
• Data from 1995 mortality records and pooled health interview surveys (1992-1997) were used to calculate life expectancy and healthy life expectancy.

Main Results:

• Significant regional patterns in healthy life expectancy were observed, distinct from overall life expectancy and self-reported health.
• Regional disparities in healthy life expectancy were more pronounced in women at age 65, with healthy life expectancy independent of total life expectancy.
• Negative associations were found between healthy life expectancy and regional social conditions and lifestyle factors; healthcare supply showed no clear relationship.

Conclusions:

• Substantial regional differences in healthy life expectancy exist within the Netherlands, despite its small size and homogeneity.
• Social and lifestyle factors play a significant role in regional healthy life expectancy variations.