Adverse effect of the financial crisis in Greece on perinatal factors

Hjern

et al. 2020

Preprint

Objectives : To analyse the impact of austerity measures taken by European governments as a response to the 2008 economic and financial crisis on social determinants and child health (SDCH), and child health outcomes (CHO). Methods : A systematic literature review was carried out in Medline (Ovid), Embase, Web of Science, PsycInfo, and Sociological abstracts in the last 5 years from European countries. Studies aimed at analysing the Great Recession, governments’ responses to the crisis, and its impact on SDCH were included. A narrative synthesis of the results was carried out. The risk of bias was assessed using the STROBE and EPICURE tools. Results : Fourteen studies were included, most of them with a low to intermediate risk of bias (average score 72.1%). Government responses to the crisis varied, although there was general agreement that Greece, Spain, Ireland and the United Kingdom applied higher levels of austerity. High austerity periods, compared to pre-austerity periods were associated with increased material deprivation, child poverty rates, and low birth weight. Increasing child poverty subsequent to austerity measures was associated with deterioration of child health. High austerity was also related to poorer access and quality of services provided to disabled children. An annual reduction of 1% on public health expenditure was associated to 0.5% reduction on Measles-Mumps-Rubella vaccination coverage in Italy. Conclusions : Countries that applied high level of austerity showed worse trends on SDCH and CHO. European governments must act urgently and reverse these austerity policy measures that are detrimental to family benefits and child protection.

Section: Child Health Outcomes (Cho)mentioning

confidence: 99%

Austerity policy and child health in European countries: a systematic literature review

Hjern

et al. 2020

Preprint

“…Rajmil 2018 et al 16 LBW increased during the period 2012-15 in those countries with higher austerity (interaction austerity*period 2012-15, B: 0.25; p = 0.004) Zografaki et al 2018 27 LBW Health care professionals reported worsening quality of services than 3 years ago: increased waiting times, and less time allocated to see each child compared to 3 years ago, and worse working conditions in the last year. Nine in every ten families reported worsening quality of services for their disabled children compared to 3 years ago.…”

Section: First Author Main Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…16 Preterm birth and LBW increased by 37% and 7% respectively in Greece the years 2011-14. 27 In Iceland, small for gestational age increased from 2-3.4%. 26 10 Table 3 Child health and healthcare services…”

Section: Percentage Of Children Living In Poverty Almost Not Modifiedmentioning

confidence: 98%

Austerity policy and child health in European countries: a systematic literature review

Hjern²,

et al. 2020

Preprint

Objectives : To analyse the impact of austerity measures taken by European governments as a response to the 2008 economic and financial crisis on social determinants and child health (SDCH), and child health outcomes (CHO). Methods : A systematic literature review was carried out in Medline (Ovid), Embase, Web of Science, PsycInfo, and Sociological abstracts in the last 5 years from European countries. Studies aimed at analysing the Great Recession, governments’ responses to the crisis, and its impact on SDCH were included. A narrative synthesis of the results was carried out. The risk of bias was assessed using the STROBE and EPICURE tools. Results : Fourteen studies were included, most of them with a low to intermediate risk of bias (average score 72.1%). Government responses to the crisis varied, although there was general agreement that Greece, Spain, Ireland and the United Kingdom applied higher levels of austerity. High austerity periods, compared to pre-austerity periods were associated with increased material deprivation, child poverty rates, and low birth weight. Increasing child poverty subsequent to austerity measures was associated with deterioration of child health. High austerity was also related to poorer access and quality of services provided to disabled children. An annual reduction of 1% on public health expenditure was associated to 0.5% reduction on Measles-Mumps-Rubella vaccination coverage in Italy.Conclusions : Countries that applied high level of austerity showed worse trends on SDCH and CHO. European governments must act urgently and reverse these austerity policy measures that are detrimental to family benefits and child protection.

“…Child health and healthcare servicesRajmil 2018 et al16 LBW increased during the period 2012-15 in those countries with higher austerity (interaction austerity*period 2012-15, B: 0.25; p=0.004) Zografaki et al201827 LBW increased (Standardised rate ratio, SRR= 1.07[1.06-1.09]), as well as preterm births (SRR=1. [1.37-1.42] during established crisis.…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

Austerity policy and child health in European countries: a systematic literature review

Hjern²,

et al. 2020

Preprint

Background: To analyse the impact of austerity measures taken by European governments as a response to the 2008 economic and financial crisis on social determinants on child health (SDCH), and child health outcomes (CHO). Methods: A systematic literature review was carried out in Medline (Ovid), Embase, Web of Science, PsycInfo, and Sociological abstracts in the last 5 years from European countries. Studies aimed at analysing the Great Recession, governments’ responses to the crisis, and its impact on SDCH were included. A narrative synthesis of the results was carried out. The risk of bias was assessed using the STROBE and EPICURE tools. Results: Fourteen studies were included, most of them with a low to intermediate risk of bias (average score 72.1%). Government responses to the crisis varied, although there was general agreement that Greece, Spain, Ireland and the United Kingdom applied higher levels of austerity. High austerity periods, compared to pre-austerity periods were associated with increased material deprivation, child poverty rates, and low birth weight. Increasing child poverty subsequent to austerity measures was associated with deterioration of child health. High austerity was also related to poorer access and quality of services provided to disabled children. An annual reduction of 1% on public health expenditure was associated to 0.5% reduction on Measles-Mumps-Rubella vaccination coverage in Italy.Conclusions: Countries that applied high level of austerity showed worse trends on SDCH and CHO, demonstrating the importance that economic policy may have for equity in child health and development. European governments must act urgently and reverse these austerity policy measures that are detrimental to family benefits and child protection.