Bankauskaitė, Vaida

Background. During the last two decades universities worldwide have come under increasing pressure to adapt to rapidly changing social, technological, economic and political forces emanating from the immediate as well as from the broader post-industrial external environment. Since the 6th decade of 20 centure that, according to many authors, was the beginning of the transition from the elite to mass higher education (1, 2, 3, 4). The majority of modern universities recognize the concept of liberal higher education based on formation of an individual's abilities and his/her character features that influence the development of mental capacities. The aim of the university education is "intellectual self-emprowerment", which is a premise for the liberation of an individual and the society as a whole. [...].

Inequity in health is a priority issue in many countries. There are considerable regional health inequalities in Lithuania. Life expectancy in some districts of Lithuania differs in several years. There are districts with constantly high life expectancy, like the Districts of Utena, and with constantly low life expectancy, like the District of Kaišiadorys. Socio-economic factors strongly determine ill-health. Evaluation of financial-economic situation in these districts could provide reasonable explanation of possible causes of such differences. [...].