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October 14, 2011

Study: Greek Economic Decline Worsening Public Health 
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Protests continue in Greece over sweeping austerity measures that have
cut jobs, slashed services and raised taxes. A new study has found that
the economic crisis in Greece has having a major impact on public heath.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge say Greece's worsening
economic situation has increased depression, suicides, drug abuse and
prostitution. Study co-author Alexander Kentikelenis said the figures
are "shocking."

Alexander Kentikelenis: "We have been able to find reports by the
minister of health and other officials quoting a 25 percent rise in
suicides in 2010 and a 40 percent rise in suicides in the first half of
2011. Now this makes quite a shocking, this is quite shocking
information. However, we need to relate that to the rapidity of the
economic change, essentially the downturn in the economy. Previous
studies have shown that the rapidity of economic change does have an
adverse affect on public health."



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