Analysis of the Coupled Coordination of Digital Economy and Public Health Services in China and Its Influencing Factors.

Background: The coordinated development of the digital economy and public health services is essential for integrating the "Digital China" and "Healthy China" strategies and accelerating the modernization of the public health system. However, substantial regional disparities persist, necessitating a systematic evaluation of the coupling and coordination between these two domains, along with the identification of key influencing factors to support evidence-based policymaking. Methods: This study utilizes panel data from 30 Chinese provinces spanning 2012-2021. The entropy-weighted Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) method is employed to quantify the levels of digital economy development and public health services. A coupling coordination model is employed to evaluate the degree of coordinated development between these sectors, whereas a panel Tobit model serves to identify the key influencing factors. Results: The overall trajectory of China's digital economy and public health services exhibits an upward yet fluctuating trend. The degree of coupling coordination has progressed from a state of near imbalance to a marginally coordinated phase, although it remains relatively low. Spatially, the eastern regions exhibit a higher degree of coordination, whereas the central and western regions primarily experience imbalances characterized by a lagging digital economy. Furthermore, the coupling coordination degree demonstrates a significant spatial positive correlation. Economic development is identified as the primary driver of improved coordination, whereas factors such as population density and health status exert inhibitory effects to some extent. Conclusion: To enhance overall coordination and achieve regional balance, policymakers should tailor development strategies to local resource endowments, optimize the synergy between the digital economy and public health services, and refine collaborative mechanisms.