Examination of the Relationship between Life Expectancy and Social, Economic, Environmental Factors in Africa

This study identifies relationship among socio-economic and environmental factors with life expectancy in Africa. Socio-economic indicators were collected from international databases for 46 African countries. In this study, correlation coefficient were used to be ablo determine linear relationships between paired socio-economic variables. And also, regression analysis used for identification of the relationships between life expectancy and specified independent variables (predictors). In addition, hierarchial cluster analayses were used for determination of resembling country grups in terms of socio-economic status. The results showed that Africa's poor geographic and economic conditions which are limited export products, political instability, low income, rapid population growth, ethnic conflicts, lack of clean water, insufficient health expenditure, high fertility rates, high infant mortality rate and etc. have great impact on the life expectancy. Health conditions and economic growth are especially affected on life expectancy.