[Examination of Factors Affecting Life Expectancy by Prefecture Based on the Criteria of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development].

Abstract

Objectives: We investigated the indicators affecting life expectancy at birth and life expectancy at age 65 by multiple regression analysis and principal component analysis, and examined the factors affecting the longevity.

Methods: We set indicators for health status, risk factors, access to care, quality of care and health care resources. Then, we conducted multiple regression analysis with life expectancy at birth and life expectancy at age 65 as the objective variables and 22 indicators as explanatory variables. Principal component analysis was also performed on the 22 indicators.

Results: Men's life expectancy at birth was positively affected by hospital admission ratio and national health insurance costs, and negatively by the rate of requirement of care certification and alcohol consumption. Men's life expectancy at age 65 was positively affected by income-to-medical expenses ratio and hospitalization treatment ratio, and negatively by requiring care certification rate, smoking rate and obesity rate. Women's life expectancy at birth was positively affected by population coverage and hospitalization treatment ratio, and negatively by women's heart disease mortality rate, requiring care certification rate and smoking rate. Women's life expectancy at age 65 was positively affected by late-stage elderly medical costs and the number of doctors, and negatively by requiring care certification rate and air pollution. Principal component 1 indicated "aging high-medical-resource society", principal component 2 indicated "high mortality from heart disease", and principal component 3 indicated the "degree of risk factor".

Conclusions: On the basis of the indicators found to affect life expectancy at birth and life expectancy at age 65, it is necessary to take measures to ensure a long life.