Quantitative study on socioeconomic determinants of life expectancy in Beijing, China

Abstract

Objective: To explore the socioeconomic factors associated with life expectancy in Beijing, and to predict future trends.

Methods: The linear stepwise regression model was used to construct the relationship between life expectancy and socioeconomic factors.

Results: The model showed that there were four factors associated with life expectancy in Beijing. Floor space available per rural resident (P = 0.000) and GDP per capita (P = 0.022) correlated positively with life expectancy, while the rural population proportion (P = 0.010) and illiteracy rate (P = 0.001) correlated negatively with life expectancy.

Conclusion: There is a close relationship between life expectancy and socioeconomic factors. The constructed model can be used as a rapid tool to project life expectancy in Beijing. It is possible to improve life expectancy continuously with sustained development of socioeconomic conditions in Beijing, China.