Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health

The Korean Society for Preventive Medicine (대한예방의학회)
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A Review of the Types and Characteristics of Healthy Life Expectancy and Methodological Issues

  • Kim, Young-Eun (Department of Big Data Strategy, National Health Insurance Service) ;
  • Jung, Yoon-Sun (Institute for Future Public Health, Graduate School of Public Health, Korea University) ;
  • Ock, Minsu (Department of Preventive Medicine, University of Ulsan College of Medicine) ;
  • Yoon, Seok-Jun (Department of Preventive Medicine, Korea University College of Medicine)
  • Received : 2021.11.01
  • Accepted : 2022.01.06
  • Published : 2022.02.03
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Abstract

An index that evaluates the health level of a population group considering both death and loss of function due to disease is called a summary measure of population health (SMPH). SMPHs are broadly divided into life year indices and life expectancy indices, the latter of which comprise healthy life expectancy (HLE). HLE is included as a policy target in various national and regional level healthcare plans, and the term "HLE" is commonly used in academia and by the public. However, the overall level of understanding of HLE-such as the precise definition of HLE and methods of calculating HLE-still seems to be low. As discussed in this study, the types of HLE are classified into disability-free life expectancy, disease-free life expectancy, quality-adjusted life expectancy, self-rated HLE, and disability-adjusted life expectancy. Their characteristics are examined to facilitate a correct understanding and appropriate utilization of HLE. In addition, the Sullivan method, as a representative method for calculating HLE, is presented in detail, and major issues in the process of calculating HLE, such as selection of the population group and age group, estimation of death probability, calculation of life years, and incorporation of health weights, are reviewed. This study will help researchers to select an appropriate HLE type and evaluate the validity of HLE research results, and it is expected to contribute to the vitalization of HLE research.

Keywords

Acknowledgement

The funding agency had no role in the study design, analysis and interpretation of the data, or the preparation of the manuscript.

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