Statistical measurement of economic losses from population mortality in rural areas (case study: Saratov region)

Abstract

This paper presents experimental calculations of the economic losses caused by mortality of rural population of the Saratov region. An alternative approach to analyzing and quantifying the degree of the economic damage caused by rural mortality in the region, which estimates the economic losses as a shortfall of gross value added, less under consumption, taking into account age, gender and class of diseases, is proposed. Based on the official statistics on gross value added size and structure of employed in the economy of Saratov region and the number and pattern of the unemployed, the levels of the regional labor productivity and per capita real consumption were calculated. These calculations helped develop some options to quantify the economic damage from mortality among different social-demographic groups of the rural population. The results of this study can be used to design preventive measures aiming to reduce population mortality in rural areas, increase life expectancy and draw up regional strategies of social-economic development of the countryside.