EFFECTS OF THE GLOBAL ECONOMIC AND JOBS CRISIS ON THE HEALTH STATUS OF THEudITALIAN AND SICILIAN POPULATIONS: FROM THE OCCUPATIONAL MEDICINE TO NOTudOCCUPATIONAL MEDICINE?

摘要

The economic crisis that started in 2008 in many countries of the world, has resulted in the reduction of many jobs in all theudregions of Italy, most especially in the Southern part of the Country. The employment difficulties experienced by both the unemployedudand employed workers, experiencing increasingly precarious conditions, will inevitably result in a worsening of psycho-physical conditions of the population; especially as an increase in stress-related diseases. Aims: The aim of this study is to point-out the possibleudeffects of the economic crisis on the health status of the population resident in Italy and Sicily, evaluating data from years precedingudand following the year 2008. Methods: We have selected two populations: the first comprising the inhabitants of the Italian territory,udthe second comprising the inhabitants in the Sicilian territory. We evaluated official statistical data regarding demographics, information about lifestyles that can cause cardiovascular diseases, and also statistical data about job accidents and occupational diseases. We also investigated the use of antidepressant drugs, as indicators of psychological distress and metabolic diseases in the twoudpopulations. Results: Data analysis shows an overall increase of people migrating to foreign countries, increased unemployment forudall age groups, with dramatic spikes in Sicily, and degenerating lifestyles associated with increasing numbers of subjects sufferingudfrom depression, diabetes and ischemic heart disease, although treatments and prognosis have improved. Work-related accidents onlyudhave been significantly reduced, while at the same time reports of occupational diseases increase. Conclusions: It is necessary toudchange economic policies and development throughout the country; especially in the Southern regions, in order to substantiallyudimprove the mental and physical health of the population.