The Dynamic of Health Capital Investments:a Cohort Analysis (Evidence from Russia)

This paper examines the dynamics of health capital investments of the Russian population of the 25-30 age cohort in the period from 2000 to 2018. Among the territories of the post-Soviet space in Russia, the most serious reduction in life expectancy has recently been observed. High alcohol consumption, smoking, a high-fat diet, and lack of exercise are recognized as the main causes of premature mortality. The main goal of this work is to determine the characteristics of the influence of socio-demographic factors on the dynamics of investment in health of a cohort of the population, which is part of the youth. One of the important objectives in this context is to determine how investments in the health of the studied cohort change depending on socio-demographic characteristics. In this paper, based on the data from the Russian Longitudinal Monitoring Survey - HSE (RLMS) for the period from 2000 to 2018, using descriptive analysis and regressions, the dynamics of the healthy lifestyle of Russians from 25 to 30 years is analyzed. The results show the influence of gender, educational level, marital status, place of residence and employment on alcohol consumption and smoking. The likelihood of physical activity increases with higher education and income. It was also found that marriage leads to an increase in body mass index. The results provide information on the varying degrees of influence of the socio-demographic characteristics of Russians from 25 to 30 years on their way of life and point a need for state participation in the formation of a healthy lifestyle in the country.