Defining the Key Predictors of Losses in Healthy Years of Life: A Cross-Country Investigation

This study identifies and analyzes the key environmental factors contributing to the loss of healthy years of life, as quantified by Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALYs), across various regions worldwide. Using data from The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) we employ an ordinary least squares (OLS) regression model to estimate the impacts of several predictors on DALYs. Our analysis indicates a positive relationship between lead exposure, air pollution, second-hand smoke, and DALYs, while the quadratic effect of air pollution negatively impacts the number of healthy life years lost. The findings show variations in the influence of these factors among different global regions, highlighting the highest level of DALY in areas with environmental issues like Africa and the smallest in well-regulated environmental regions such as Oceania. This research supports targeted public health interventions and policies aimed at mitigating environmental risks, particularly in vulnerable populations, to enhance global health outcomes.