How Corruption Influences Population Health

Policy Points This study examines the link between corruption and mortality. We find that corruption is associated with higher mortality, particularly in low-income countries. It is also linked to lower government revenue and distorted government expenditure patterns, which may contribute to resource misallocation and constraints in health financing. Our findings contribute to the literature on upstream determinants of health by highlighting the relevance of institutional and political economy factors for population health. The Sustainable Development Goals on combating corruption and improving health are found to be complementary. Efforts to address corruption could align with and support public health objectives.

While public health research has examined the macro-level and structural determinants of health, the link between corruption and population health remains underexplored. This study investigates the relationship between corruption and mortality and explores potential pathways underlying this association. In doing so, it contributes to the broader literature on the political economy of health and the upstream factors associated with population health.

This study draws on country-level data from 102 countries spanning 2008-2018. We use econometric methods, including instrumental variables and the Mundlak approach. To mitigate endogeneity concerns, we employ an instrumental variable approach based on ancestry and oral tradition, using historical cultural factors plausibly related to contemporary corruption levels.

We find a significant relationship between corruption and higher mortality rates. Corruption is also linked with weaker fiscal capacity, reduced government funding for health care, distorted resource allocation, and patterns consistent with misallocation of public funds. Additionally, the association between corruption and mortality varies across levels of public goods provision.

This study expands existing research on social determinants of health by highlighting the relevance of institutional and political factors for population health. Addressing corruption could be recognized as a public health priority, given its association with health financing and population health.