Giorgio Mattei1,2, Roberto De Vogli3, Silvia Ferrari1, Luca Pingani4, Marco Rigatelli1, Gian Maria Galeazzi1. 1. 1 Section of Psychiatry, Department of Diagnostics, Clinical and Public Health Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy. 2. 4 Association for Research in Psychiatry, Castelnuovo Rangone (Modena), Italy. 3. 2 Department of Developmental Psychology and Socialization, University of Padua, Padua, Italy. 4. 3 Local Health Agency, Reggio Emilia, 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.
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.
Authors: M Alcusky; R B Thomas; N Jafari; S W Keith; A Kee; S Del Canale; M Lombardi; V Maio Journal: BMC Geriatr Date: 2021-03-31 Impact factor: 3.921
Authors: Rosemary H Jenkins; Eszter P Vamos; David Taylor-Robinson; Christopher Millett; Anthony A Laverty Journal: Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act Date: 2021-04-29 Impact factor: 6.457