1- Department of Economics, Kho.C., Islamic Azad University, Khomeinishahr, Iran
2- Department of Economics, Kho.C., Islamic Azad University, Khomeinishahr, Iran , maryam.jafarit@iau.ac.ir
Abstract: (82 Views)
Introduction: Elderly mental health (EMH) is a key dimension of social welfare that can be influenced by economic-social transformations. In recent years, the increase in the migration of skilled labor and the emergence of remittance (REM) flows as one of its major consequences have drawn researchers' attention to examining the economic and social effects of brain drain (BD). Identifying vulnerable elderly groups and providing quantitative evidence for designing targeted health insurance packages are among the main concerns of the country's health insurance system.
Methods: This study analyzes the effect of BD on the EMH of Iranian people, with emphasis on the role of REM over the period 1993–2024, using STR model.
Results: REM serve as the transition variable with a logistic transition function and a threshold value of 0.103 (0.43% of GDP). Below this threshold, BD exacerbates EMH; however, after crossing this threshold, the effect reverses and leads to a reduction in EMH. Furthermore, REM exhibit an increasing effect on EMH at low levels and a decreasing effect at higher levels.
Conclusion: REM play a significant moderating role in the relationship between BD and EMH. Specifically, BD can improve EMH when accompanied by sufficient REM; otherwise, it may generate negative social and psychological consequences. The findings, by providing quantitative evidence on the moderating role of REM in reducing EMH, help insurance organizations to design more targeted mental health insurance packages for this group and, by facilitating REM flows, reduce the financial burden of EMH on the health insurance system.
Type of Study:
Research |
Subject:
Special Received: 2026/09/13 | Revised: 2026/09/13 | Accepted: 2026/09/1