Impact of the economic crisis on health-related behaviors in Italy

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.