Peculiar Relations of Life Expectancy with Economics according to the Preston Curve and with Cultural Values according to the Hofstede Dimensions in Former Soviet Union and Yugoslavia Countries

Abstract

We checked whether national cultural differences according to Hofstede dimensions (HD) contribute to differences in life expectancy (LE) irrespective of per capita gross domestic product (GDP) in the countries, such as the Russian Federation (RF), where LE is markedly below the general LE-vs.-GDP trend (Preston curve, PC). The sample of 102 countries included those from the lists available at World Bank, Human Mortality Database and Hofstede Insight websites that feature all required data on GDP, LE and HD. Partial Kendall correlations between LE, GDP and five HD scores were calculated for GDP ranges distinguished based on different patterns of LE-vs.-GDP relations. It was found that, among the countries where LE is higher at GDP lower than in RF (Group Q; 37 countries), RF stands at the tops of lists ranged by HD scores for power distance (PD) and uncertainty avoidance (UA). Generally, PD and UA are uncorrelated. In Group Q, the combination of high UA and PD scores is specific for former Soviet Union and Yugoslavia states. Correlations with LE are negative and significant for this combination and for separate UA but not PD scores. UA does not correlate with LE in all countries and in groups where GDP > 30 000 or < 30 000 US$. The main cultural correlates of LE there are long-term orientation (both groups) and individualism (at GDP < 30 000), which do not correlate with LE in Group Q. These observations may be useful for judging about prospects for increasing LE in Q countries by measures limited to economics, administration and public health.