Abstract:
A healthier and well satisfied population is a very important component
for the sustainable development of a country. Yet, high growing rates of
overweight and obesity accompanied with widespread development of chronic
illness are alarming health problems being encountered world-wide particularly in
countries which are developing. Due to these health issues, the level at which
individuals are satisfied with life may be affected. The main objective of this
study is to establish the relationship between education and health outcomes and
life satisfaction. The study also aims to find out if literacy skills is a better
measure of education which helps improve the health and life satisfaction of
individuals. Data from The World Bank STEP Skills Measurement Household
Survey Wave 2 conducted in 2013 among adults between 15 and 64 years was
used for the analysis of the study. Our sample includes 1735 respondents who
have valid data on health and wellbeing indicators for Wave 2, as well as
complete information on the other control variables used the analysis. Inferential
statistics involving ordered logistic regression models and Lewbel IV regression
were carried out to examine the relationship between. In the analysis for the full
sample, literacy skills is a significant determinant of BMI and chronic illness but
not life satisfaction. Age is an important determinant of BMI, chronic illness and
life satisfaction whilst there were no important underlying differences for both
chronic illness and life satisfaction.
