Impact of the economic crisis on health-related behaviors in Italy. (November 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mattei, Giorgio; De Vogli, Roberto; Ferrari, Silvia; Pingani, Luca; Rigatelli, Marco; Galeazzi, Gian Maria
• Is Part Of: International journal of social psychiatry. Volume 63:Number 7(2017)
• Page Start: 649
• Page End: 656
• Publication Date: 2017-11
• Subjects: Economic crisis -- alcohol -- smoking -- diet -- physical activity; Social psychiatry -- Periodicals; 362.205
• DOI: 10.1177/0020764017726097
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0020-7640

Abstract

Background: Evidence exists supporting the impact of the Great Recession on health-related behaviors internationally, though few studies are available concerning the Italian population. Aim: To assess the impact of the late 2000s economic crisis on health-related behaviors linked to population mental health in Italy. Methods: Descriptive study. Health indicators came from the Italian Institute of Statistics database (years 2000–2015). Statistics performed by means of linear regression models. Results: Increased smokers (β = 1.68, p = .03), heavy smokers, that is, people smoking 11–20 cigarettes per day (β = 2.18, p = .04) or more than 20 cigarettes per day (β = 1.04, p < .01) and mean number of smoked cigarettes per day (β = 0.56, p = .02) were noticeable. Also, prevalence of overweight increased (β = 0.91, p = .04), while the Italian families' expenditure for alcoholic beverages decreased (β = –812.80, p = .01). Alcohol consumption decreased (β = –0.60, p < .01), especially in men (β = –0.95, p < .01); binge drinking increased in years 2009–2010. No change was noticeable in the diet indicators collected. Conclusion: The economic crisis may have increased smoking, overweight and binge drinking in Italy (though data on the latter phenomenon are not conclusive), and reduced overall alcohol consumption.