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.
Summary
Korean summary
건강수명의 유형은 무장애기대수명, 질병 없는 기대수명, 질보정기대수명, 자가평가보정 기대수명, 장애보정기대수명으로 분류된다. 건강수명의 올바른 이해와 적절한 활용을 돕기 위해 이들의 특성을 검토하였다. 이번 연구는 연구자들이 적절한 건강수명 유형을 선택하고 건강수명 연구 결과의 타당성을 평가하는 데 도움이 될 것이며, 건강수명 연구의 활성화에 기여할 것으로 기대된다.
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