Abstract |
Introduction: Health inequalities among countries or regions are the differences in health status of the population that occur as a result of different social and economic processes and health policies of each country. During each economic crisis, social and economic conditions change rapidly, affecting the health of the population. The link between socioeconomic indicators and health indicators during an economic crisis is already known from the bibliography. The way in which each society responds to the economic crisis, finally configures the severity and intensity of the impact on the population’s health.
Aim: The present study aims to investigate the health inequalities between European countries groups, depending on the economic politics they engaged during economic crisis of 2008
Methods: Seven European countries were divided into three sub groups according to the economic program they engaged during 2008 financial crisis (Greece-Portugal, Italy-Spain and Great Britain-Sweden- Germany). The present study evaluated the health inequalities before economic crisis 2004-2008 and during economic crisis 2009-2012, with the use of seven health indicators
Results: Five out of seven health care indicators were aggravated during crisis in the sub group Greece-Portugal, while in the other sub groups all health indicators were improved. Moreover, statistically significant differences were found in life expectancy and suicide indicators, both before and after economic crisis between the three subgroups. Differences between the sub groups were identified in maternal mortality indicator before economic crisis, which were eliminated during economic crisis. Equality of access to health services worsened during the economic crisis in Greece and Portugal, varied considerably from the UK, Sweden and Germany sub group index.
Conclusions: A graded effect of the economic crisis on the health status of the population was found, depending on the economic policy pursued by the countries. Greece-Portugal sub group which adopted cruel austerity policies and cuts, suffered significantly. Health inequalities aggravated against Greece-Portugal sub group while the sub group Great Britain- Sweden and Germany significantly improved health indicators of the population.
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