UH study: 19-year life expectancy gap among Hawaiʻi groups – University of Hawaii System

Report on Life Expectancy Disparities in Hawaiʻi and Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

Executive Summary

A recent study by the University of Hawaiʻi (UH) Mānoa and the Hawaiʻi State Department of Health reveals significant disparities in life expectancy among Hawaiʻi’s ethnic groups. While the state’s average life expectancy of 81.9 years surpasses the national average, a gap of nearly 19 years exists between the longest- and shortest-living populations. These findings highlight critical challenges in achieving key United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities). The disparities are closely linked to socio-economic factors, underscoring the interconnectedness of health outcomes with SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 4 (Quality Education), and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth).

Key Findings: Life Expectancy by Ethnic Group

The updated analysis, extending through 2020, presents the following life expectancy data, which illustrates a significant variance that directly impacts the achievement of SDG 3 targets for universal health coverage and well-being.

• Chinese: 88.2 years
• Japanese: 84.9 years
• Korean: 84.3 years
• Filipino: 83.4 years
• White: 81.8 years
• Native Hawaiians: 77.4 years
• Other Pacific Islanders: 69.6 years

Analysis of Disparities through the Lens of the SDGs

The research indicates that the observed health disparities are not isolated but are symptomatic of broader systemic inequalities that contravene several core SDG principles.

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

   The 19-year life expectancy gap demonstrates a profound failure to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all residents of Hawaiʻi. The significantly lower life expectancies for Native Hawaiians and Other Pacific Islanders point to a critical need for targeted public health interventions to address health inequities within the state.

2. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

   This study provides clear evidence of deep-seated inequalities. The disparities in longevity are linked to underlying social and economic conditions, directly addressing SDG 10’s objective to reduce inequality within and among countries. The data underscores the necessity of disaggregating health statistics to identify and support the most vulnerable populations.

3. Socio-Economic Determinants and Related SDGs

   The researchers correlate lower life expectancies with disparities in education, income, and homeownership. This connects the findings to several other SDGs:

   • SDG 4 (Quality Education): Higher proportions of college degrees among longer-living groups suggest that equitable access to quality education is a key determinant of health outcomes.
   • SDG 1 (No Poverty) & SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth): Differences in income levels are cited as a likely factor, indicating that economic stability is fundamental to achieving health equity.

Conclusion and Recommendations for SDG Advancement

The study concludes that improving the standard of living for groups with lower life expectancies is essential for enhancing their health status and longevity. To advance the SDGs in Hawaiʻi, the report implicitly recommends:

• The continued disaggregation of public health data to accurately identify and monitor inequalities, a practice central to the SDG framework of “leaving no one behind.”
• The development of culturally grounded programs tailored to the specific needs of populations facing the greatest health disparities, such as Native Hawaiians and Other Pacific Islanders.
• A multi-sectoral approach that addresses the root socio-economic causes of health inequality, thereby promoting progress across SDGs 1, 3, 4, 8, and 10.

Analysis of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

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

   • SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

     This goal is central to the article, which focuses entirely on health outcomes, specifically life expectancy. The study’s analysis of the average lifespan of Hawaiʻi residents (81.9 years) and the significant variations among different ethnic groups directly addresses the core principles of ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all.

   • SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

     The article’s primary finding is the “striking 19-year difference in life expectancy among Hawaiʻi’s major ethnic groups.” This highlights a profound inequality in health outcomes based on ethnicity. The text further connects this disparity to underlying social and economic inequalities, such as differences in education (“college degrees”), income (“adequate incomes”), and housing (“own homes”), which are key concerns of SDG 10.

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

   • 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.

     Life expectancy is a direct reflection of mortality rates. The significantly lower life expectancy for Native Hawaiians (77.4 years) and Other Pacific Islanders (69.6 years) compared to other groups (e.g., Chinese at 88.2 years) indicates a higher rate of premature mortality within these populations. The study’s focus on this gap is inherently a call to address the factors leading to these premature deaths.

   • Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of… race, ethnicity, origin… or other status.

     The article identifies ethnicity as the primary axis of disparity. It links lower life expectancy for Native Hawaiians and Other Pacific Islanders to social and economic conditions, suggesting these groups are not experiencing the same level of inclusion or benefit as others. The recommendation to develop “programs… tailored for populations most in need” is a direct strategy for promoting inclusion and equity.

   • Target 10.3: Ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcome…

     The 19-year gap in life expectancy is a clear example of an “inequality of outcome.” The article implicitly argues for policies that would create more equal opportunities in education, income, and housing to close this health gap, thereby reducing the inequality of this fundamental outcome.

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

   • Life expectancy at birth, disaggregated by ethnic group.

     This is the most explicit indicator used throughout the article. Specific data points are provided for multiple groups: Native Hawaiians (77.4 years), Other Pacific Islanders (69.6 years), Chinese (88.2 years), Japanese (84.9 years), etc. Tracking these figures over time would directly measure progress in reducing the inequality of health outcomes (Target 10.3) and improving longevity (related to Target 3.4).

   • Socio-economic status indicators, disaggregated by ethnic group.

     The article implies these indicators by stating that “higher proportions of East Asians and Whites in Hawaiʻi have college degrees, adequate incomes and own homes” compared to Native Hawaiians and Other Pacific Islanders. While specific percentages are not given, the article identifies these as key metrics for understanding the root causes of the health disparity. Measuring the proportions of each ethnic group that have achieved these socio-economic milestones would be a way to track progress towards social and economic inclusion (Target 10.2).

4. Create a table with three columns titled ‘SDGs, Targets and Indicators” to present the findings from analyzing the article.

   SDGs	Targets	Indicators
   SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being	3.4: Reduce premature mortality from non-communicable diseases.	Life expectancy at birth for different ethnic groups (e.g., Native Hawaiians: 77.4 years; Other Pacific Islanders: 69.6 years).
   SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities	10.2: Promote social and economic inclusion of all, irrespective of ethnicity.	(Implied) Proportions of different ethnic groups with college degrees, adequate incomes, and home ownership.
   	10.3: Ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcome.	The disparity in life expectancy among ethnic groups (a 19-year gap between the highest and lowest).

Source: hawaii.edu