Effects Of Literacy Skills On Health And Life Satisfaction In Ghana

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.