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BMC Public Health
Published in: BMC Public Health 1/2010

Open Access 01-12-2010 | Research article

Regional variations in and correlates of disability-free life expectancy among older adults in China

Authors: Jufen Liu, Gong Chen, Iris Chi, Jilei Wu, Lijun Pei, Xinming Song, Lei Zhang, Lihua Pang, Youli Han, Xiaoying Zheng

Published in: BMC Public Health | Issue 1/2010

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Abstract

Background

Considerable socioeconomic and health inequalities have been reported in China. However, because of a lack of appropriate data, limited research has been conducted on variations in disability-free life expectancy (DFLE) among older adults. This study aimed to use the most up-to-date disability survey data to explore geographical variations in DFLE at age 60 in China and to identify the socioeconomic and health care factors that partially account for these variations.

Methods

This study used 2006 mortality data extrapolated from the 1990 and 2000 Census and disability data from a national disability survey conducted in 2006. Disability was performance based and was diagnosed by trained physicians. DFLE was calculated by region using the Sullivan method. Multiple linear regression models by gender were conducted to explore correlates of DFLE.

Results

DFLE at age 60 varied widely by region, from 11.2 to 20.8 years in 2006. Per capita gross domestic product, proportion of urban residents, and access to health care were the primary factors associated with geographical variations in DFLE.

Conclusion

The pattern of differences in DFLE by region mirrors the pattern of regional economic development in China. Countermeasures to decrease regional differences in DFLE include accelerating regional economic development and improving health care distribution.
Appendix
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Metadata
Title
Regional variations in and correlates of disability-free life expectancy among older adults in China
Authors
Jufen Liu
Gong Chen
Iris Chi
Jilei Wu
Lijun Pei
Xinming Song
Lei Zhang
Lihua Pang
Youli Han
Xiaoying Zheng
Publication date
01-12-2010
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Public Health / Issue 1/2010
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2458
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2458-10-446

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