Financial crisis and austerity measures in Greece: Their impact on health promotion policies and public health care

Ifanti, Amalia A.; Argyriou, Andreas A.; Kalofonou, Foteini H.

doi:10.1016/j.healthpol.2013.05.017

Cited by 181 publications

(153 citation statements)

References 17 publications

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“…As a result of these economic conditions several austerity measures were adopted, taxes were increased, public sector services were cut back, markets and professional services were deregulated, salaries, pensions and disability benefits were reduced, cost of basic commodities such as electricity, heat, food expenses, were increased as well as dramatic budget cuts in the public health sector were induced 19 . Health and mental health implications of the economic crisis in Greece have attracted increasing attention especially in the investigation of the prevalence of major depressive disorders and the related suicidal behaviour with general population samples nationwide in Greece [20][21][22][23][24][25][26][27] .…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Suicide, unemployment and other socioeconomic factors: evidence from the economic crisis in Greece

et al. 2014

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GREECEABSTRACT -Background and Objectives: Economic adverse conditions are acknowledged as having a major impact on the exacerbation of mental disorders and suicides. The severity of current European crisis and the local unrelenting spending is affecting largely the economy of Greece.Methods: The aim of this study was to explore changes in suicides and their possible association with macroeconomic and behavioural factors. Data for the period 1990-2011 were drawn mainly from the Hellenic Statistical Authority and Eurostat. Suicide mortality rates were correlated with economic and behavioural factors.Results: Suicide mortality rates were increased by 55.8% between 2007 and 2011 while the total mortality was increased by 1.1% only. Significantly increasing trends in public debt, unemployment rates, consumption of daily units of antidepressants as well as divorces per 1000, homicides per 100,000 and persons with HIV per 100,000 were also observed. Suicides have been found to bear strong correlation with unemployment (r. 0.64). Significant associations were also found between suicide mortality and the percentage of public debt as percentage of GDP, the incidence of infections from HIV and homicides.Conclusions: People suffering from income and job losses, living in a demoralized social state caused by severe austerity measures and restrictive health policies, are exposed to risks for developing depression or commit suicide.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Suicide, unemployment and other socioeconomic factors: evidence from the economic crisis in Greece

et al. 2014

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“…depression) among elderly [7,8] as well as the problem of a high rate of drug use and polypharmacy (large pharmaceutical consumption) in elderly is also acknowledged [9]. Moreover, the consequences of the global financial recession and the subsequent austerity measures had not only an economic impact but also negative consequences for the national health sector and social services, including public health services [10]. The government was unable to provide the necessary support for these services [11], which may have further contributed to the declining health status of the population, including that of older persons (see Table III).…”

Section: Health Status Of Older Populationmentioning

confidence: 99%

A Greek tragedy of our time? Institutional and financial dimension of Health Promotion for Older People in Greece

Pavlova

Skalkidis²,

Groot

et al. 2017

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Despite the numerous legislative documents and public health institutions in Greece, the country lacks a comprehensive and robust long-term policy perspective in the public health area. The traditionally higher priority attached to curative care than to public health actions, is the major reason of the shortcomings. This country report draws upon several national reports focused on the Greek health system, and other country-specific sources in order to outline the major institutional and financing challenges for health promotion in Greece, and specifically health promotion for older adults. The paper is based on the method of narrative literature review. The findings show that health promotion actions for elderly persons do take place in Greece but mainly in urban areas and/or within the framework of EU-funded projects. Government efforts are required to stimulate coordinated public health interventions at the local level focusing on the positive effects of health promotion. The health promotion programs that are successfully implemented, should receive the necessary government support to assure their long-term sustainability.

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“…Existing data show that the implementation of targeted financial health policies have undermined the promotion of health goals and have resulted in the deterioration of the quality of basic health services. The policy for the reconstruction of Public Sector hospitals through their closure or merger and centralisation of health services has jeopardised the availability of basic health services (Ifanti et al, 2013).…”

Section: Analysis Of Public Policy In the Greek Health System Reformmentioning

confidence: 99%

Public Policy Analysis of Health System in Conditions of the Greek Economic Crisis

Farantos¹

2017

ESJ

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The aim of the study is to provide a literature overview of the Public Policy Analysis of the Greek Health System during the Economic Crisis, so that the generated knowledge can be used in Doctoral studies. The research methodology extends to the literature overview of valid Greek and international literature. The Findings of the study include summarising and categorising information related to the categories of public policies and those involved in policy making. Studies on policy changes in conditions of an economic crisis are reviewed. The Policy Change in the Greek Health System during the economic crisis is studied and placed within a pre-existing framework for classification of health system policies.

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Financial crisis and austerity measures in Greece: Their impact on health promotion policies and public health care

Cited by 181 publications

References 17 publications

Suicide, unemployment and other socioeconomic factors: evidence from the economic crisis in Greece

Suicide, unemployment and other socioeconomic factors: evidence from the economic crisis in Greece

A Greek tragedy of our time? Institutional and financial dimension of Health Promotion for Older People in Greece

Public Policy Analysis of Health System in Conditions of the Greek Economic Crisis

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