Sex Difference in Health Outcomes in the Philippines from 1960 To 2012

This study was conducted to see how women empowerment has an association with the rates of female life expectancy and mortality relative to their male counterparts in the Philippine society. Data obtained from 1960 to 2012 was utilized for a longitudinal comparison of males and females in the country in terms of life expectancy and three leading cause-specific mortality rates: (1) accidents, (2) tuberculosis, and (3) diseases of the heart. Empowerment was measured using labor force participation as indicator. Results suggest that, in terms of employment, male labor force participation was higher than females until 2005 when the female labor force participation increased and overtook the male labor force participation rate. Females have also been found to consistently have a longer life expectancy. In terms of the three leading causes of mortality, the propensity of Filipino males dying has been found to be consistently higher compared to Filipino females. Correlational test results also suggest that labor force participation has an inverse relationship with life expectancy as well as accident- and heart disease-related mortality rates but has a positive relationship with tuberculosis- related mortality rates. However, labor force participation has no significant relationship with female life expectancy and the three cause-specific mortality rates.

Keywords: Health Outcomes, Mortality, Sex