A simple framework for analysing the impact of economic growth on non-communicable diseases

Citation

Cohen IK, Ferretti F & McIntosh B (2015) A simple framework for analysing the impact of economic growth on non-communicable diseases. Cogent Economics and Finance, 3 (1), Art. No.: 1045215. https://doi.org/10.1080/23322039.2015.1045215

Abstract
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are currently the leading cause ofdeath worldwide. In this paper, we examine the channels through which economicgrowth affects NCDs’ epidemiology. Following a production function approach, wedevelop a basic technique to break up the impact of economic growth on NCDs intothree fundamental components: (1) a resource effect; (2) a behaviour effect; and (3)a knowledge effect. We demonstrate that each of these effects can be measured asthe product of two elasticities, the output and income elasticity of the three leadingfactors influencing the frequency of NCDs in any population: health care, healthrelatedbehaviours and lifestyle, and medical knowledge.

Keywords
Economic growth; Engel's functions; Health production function; Non-communicable diseases; Social determinants of health

Journal
Cogent Economics and Finance: Volume 3, Issue 1