The effect of the financial crisis in Greece on the health habits of young adults

Abstract

Background

Periods of financial crisis have been strongly associated with changes in the health habits of affected individuals. Previous research suggests that these periods usually affect drinking, smoking, physical activity and eating habits, thus affecting our psychophysical health as well.

Aim

To investigate the effect of the financial crisis in Greece on the health habits of young adults.

Method

Two hundred and seven Greek young adults participated in the study, 75 (36.2%) males and 132 (63.8%) females, with a mean age of 29. Analysis of data was conducted with Anova, Ancova, regression and correlation analyses, using the SPSS software.

Results

The findings showed a significant effect of the financial crisis on drinking patterns (F(1.173) = 4.488, P = 0.036). Individuals whose income was reduced consumed less alcohol (M = 11.646, SD = 1.434) compared to individuals who had not experienced such a reduction (M = 17.957, SD = 2.611). There was a significant effect of annual income on BMI (F(4.10) = 3.74, P = 00.01, η_p² = 0.96), after controlling for the effect of exercise intensity (F(1.10) = 4.58, P = 0.034, η_p² = 0.31). However, the financial crisis did not significantly affect exercise, smoking behaviour or eating habits (P > 0.05). Significant correlations between tobacco use and drinking were found (r(206) = 0.22, P < 0.001). A significant correlation was also found between exercise and the consumption of fruits and vegetables (r(174) = 0.26, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

The financial crisis reduced alcohol consumption whilst it did not affect physical activity, smoking or eating habits. These findings allow us to propose that, despite the bleak reality of a period of financial crisis, such periods could actually lead to the reduction of unhealthy behaviours.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.