Journals / Uluslararası Sosyal Bilimler Akademi Dergisi / 2026 / Sayı: 22

The Effects of Health Expenditures on Unemployment: Panel Data Analysis

Sağlık Harcamalarının İşsizliğe Etkileri: Panel Veri Analizi

Çiğdem Bal(Mersin Üniversitesi)0009-0005-1980-9592
Pages
537–558
Publication Date
2026-05-07
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AI Summary & Key Takeaways

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⚡ TL;DR(Too Long; Didn't Read)

The findings indicate the presence of cross-sectional dependence among the variables and show that the series become stationary after first differencing.

📌 3 Key Takeaways

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Objective & Hypothesis:This study examines the relationship between health expenditures and unemployment rates within a panel data framework covering 28 OECD countries over the period 2000-2024.
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Key Findings & Data:In the analysis, per capita health expenditure (HEA), general government final consumption expenditure (GGFCE), population growth (POP), and economic growth (GDP) are considered together, and the macroeconomic determinants of the unemployment rate (UNEMP) are evaluated within a holistic framework.
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Conclusion & Impact:The findings indicate the presence of cross-sectional dependence among the variables and show that the series become stationary after first differencing.
🔬Design:Araştırma Makalesi
📍Scope:2000-2024 Verileri
⚙️Variables:Sağlık Harcamaları · İşsizlik Oranı · Panel Veri Analizi

Abstract

This study examines the relationship between health expenditures and unemployment rates within a panel data framework covering 28 OECD countries over the period 2000-2024. In the analysis, per capita health expenditure (HEA), general government final consumption expenditure (GGFCE), population growth (POP), and economic growth (GDP) are considered together, and the macroeconomic determinants of the unemployment rate (UNEMP) are evaluated within a holistic framework. Considering the possibility of cross-country interactions and heterogeneity, the methodological process employs the cross sectional dependence (CD) test, the CIPS panel unit root test, homogeneity testing, the Westerlund panel cointegration test, and the AMG (Augmented Mean Group) estimator. The findings indicate the presence of cross-sectional dependence among the variables and show that the series become stationary after first differencing. The Westerlund test results confirm the existence of a long-run cointegration relationship at the panel level, while AMG estimates reveal that HEA, GGFCE, POP, and GDP have negative and statistically significant effects on the unemployment rate. The negative and significant error correction term indicates that short-run deviations converge rapidly to the long-run equilibrium. Overall, the results suggest that in OECD countries, health expenditures constitute a more effective policy instrument in reducing unemployment when considered together with growth-supporting policies and employment-oriented public expenditure composition.

Özet

Bu çalışma, 2000-2024 döneminde 28 OECD ülkesini kapsayan panel veri çerçevesinde sağlık harcamaları ile işsizlik oranı arasındaki ilişkiyi incelemektedir. Analizde kişi başına sağlık harcaması (HEA), genel hükümet nihai tüketim harcaması (GGFCE), nüfus artışı (POP) ve ekonomik büyüme (GDP) değişkenleri birlikte ele alınarak işsizlik oranının (UNEMP) makroekonomik belirleyicileri bütüncül bir yaklaşımla değerlendirilmiştir. Ülkeler arası karşılıklı etkileşim ve heterojenlik olasılığı dikkate alınarak yöntemsel süreçte sırasıyla yatay kesit bağımlılığı (CD) testi, CIPS panel birim kök testi, homojenlik sınaması, Westerlund panel eşbütünleşme testi ve AMG (Augmented Mean Group) tahmincisi kullanılmıştır. Bulgular, değişkenler arasında yatay kesit bağımlılığı bulunduğunu ve serilerin birinci farkları alındığında durağanlaştığını göstermektedir. Westerlund test sonuçları panel genelinde uzun dönemli eşbütünleşme ilişkisinin varlığını doğrularken, AMG tahminleri HEA, GGFCE, POP ve GDP değişkenlerinin işsizlik oranı üzerinde negatif ve istatistiksel olarak anlamlı etkiler taşıdığını ortaya koymaktadır. Hata düzeltme teriminin negatif ve anlamlı olması, kısa dönemli sapmaların uzun dönem dengesine hızlı bir şekilde yakınsadığını göstermektedir. Elde edilen sonuçlar, OECD ülkelerinde işsizlikle mücadelede sağlık harcamalarının, büyümeyi destekleyen politikalar ve istihdam odaklı kamu harcama bileşimi ile birlikte değerlendirildiğinde daha etkili bir politika aracı sunduğunu göstermektedir.

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Cite This Article

Bal, Ç. (2026). The Effects of Health Expenditures on Unemployment: Panel Data Analysis. Uluslararası Sosyal Bilimler Akademi Dergisi, Sayı: 22, 537–558. https://doi.org/10.47994/usbad.1865875

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