UH study highlights 19-year life expectancy gap, health disparities in Hawaii – Hawaii News Now

Report on Life Expectancy Disparities in Hawaii and Implications for Sustainable Development Goals

Executive Summary: Health Inequalities and SDG 3

A recent study conducted by the University of Hawaii (UH) in collaboration with the Hawaii State Department of Health has identified significant disparities in life expectancy among the state’s major ethnic groups. Published in the Hawaii Journal of Health and Social Welfare, the findings reveal a gap of up to 19 years, a stark contrast to the state’s high overall average life expectancy. This data presents a critical challenge to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being), which aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages. The disparities indicate that the benefits of Hawaii’s public health system are not being experienced equally across all populations.

Key Findings: A Challenge to SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities)

The research highlights a profound inequality in health outcomes, directly undermining the objectives of SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities). While Hawaii’s average life expectancy of 81.9 years surpasses the national average of 77 years, this aggregate figure masks severe underlying disparities among ethnic communities.

1. Highest Life Expectancy: East Asian populations demonstrate the longest lifespans, with Chinese residents living an average of 88.2 years and Japanese residents living an average of 84.9 years.
2. Lowest Life Expectancy: In stark contrast, Native Hawaiians have an average life expectancy of 77.4 years, while Other Pacific Islanders have the lowest average at 69.9 years.
3. The Inequality Gap: The difference between the longest-living group (Chinese) and the shortest-living group (Other Pacific Islanders) is nearly 19 years. The life expectancy for Native Hawaiians remains a full decade below that of the longest-living demographic.

Analysis of Disparities: The Role of Social and Economic Factors (SDG 1 & SDG 8)

The study posits that the observed differences in life expectancy are intrinsically linked to social and economic conditions. This connection underscores the interplay between health outcomes and broader development goals, particularly SDG 1 (No Poverty) and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth). Inequitable access to resources, economic opportunities, and social support systems are significant drivers of the health disparities affecting Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander communities.

• Social determinants of health, including economic stability and community infrastructure, are likely contributors to the shortened life expectancies.
• These findings suggest that progress on health equity (SDG 3) is dependent on concurrent progress in reducing poverty (SDG 1) and promoting inclusive economic conditions (SDG 8).

Recommendations for Achieving Health Equity through Data and Partnerships (SDG 17)

To address these disparities and advance the SDG agenda, the report emphasizes a data-driven approach. The researchers advocate for the disaggregation of public health data to identify and target the specific needs of vulnerable populations. This strategy is crucial for designing and implementing effective, tailored public health programs.

The collaboration between UH Manoa’s Thompson School of Social Work & Public Health and the Hawaii State Department of Health exemplifies SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). Such cross-sectoral partnerships are essential for developing comprehensive solutions that address the complex, interconnected factors driving health inequality. By leveraging detailed data and fostering strong collaborations, stakeholders can work more effectively toward ensuring that no one is left behind, fulfilling the central promise of the Sustainable Development Goals.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

   The article primarily addresses two Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

   • SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being: The core of the article is a study on life expectancy, a fundamental indicator of population health and well-being. It discusses the overall high life expectancy in Hawaii but focuses on the significant disparities within the population.
   • SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities: The article’s main finding is the “striking 19-year life expectancy gap among Hawaii’s major ethnic groups.” This directly highlights inequality in health outcomes between different population groups (Native Hawaiians, Other Pacific Islanders, Chinese, and Japanese), which is a central concern of SDG 10.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

   Based on the article, the following specific targets can be identified:

   • Target 3.4: By 2030, reduce by one-third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being. While the article doesn’t specify the causes of death, a lower life expectancy, particularly for Native Hawaiians (77.4 years) and Other Pacific Islanders (69.9 years), points to higher rates of premature mortality within these groups compared to others.
   • Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status. The article explicitly points out that the life expectancy gap is an inequality of outcome based on ethnicity. The study’s conclusion that these differences are “likely linked to social and economic conditions” reinforces the connection to this target, which aims to reduce such disparities.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

   Yes, the article mentions and implies specific indicators:

   • Indicator 3.4.1: Mortality rate attributed to cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes or chronic respiratory disease. Although not explicitly named, the significant differences in life expectancy are a direct result of varying mortality rates. The article provides the data needed to calculate a related, broader indicator: life expectancy at birth.
   • Indicator 10.2.1: Proportion of people living below 50 per cent of median income, by age, sex and persons with disabilities. The article implies this by stating that differences in life expectancy are “likely linked to social and economic conditions.” This suggests that tracking socio-economic indicators alongside health data is necessary.
   • Life Expectancy at Birth, Disaggregated by Ethnic Group: This is the most direct indicator used throughout the article. The study provides specific figures: 69.9 years for Other Pacific Islanders, 77.4 years for Native Hawaiians, 84.9 years for Japanese, and 88.2 years for Chinese. The call to “disaggregate public health data” underscores the importance of this indicator for monitoring health inequalities.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Table

Source: hawaiinewsnow.com