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International Journal of Public Health

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Open Access 01-06-2017 | Original Article

Harmful drinking after job loss: a stronger association during the post-2008 economic crisis?

Authors: Moniek C. M. de Goeij, Jan-Willem Bruggink, Ferdy Otten, Anton E. Kunst

Published in: International Journal of Public Health | Issue 5/2017

Abstract

Objectives

This study investigated, among the Dutch working population, whether job loss during the post-2008 economic crisis is associated with harmful drinking and whether this association is stronger than before the crisis.

Methods

Repeated cross-sectional data from the Dutch Health Interview Survey 2004–2013 were used to define episodic drinking (≥6 glasses on 1 day ≥1/week) and chronic drinking (≥14 glasses/week for women and ≥21 for men). These data were linked to longitudinal data from tax registries, to measure the experience and duration of job loss during a 5-year working history.

Results

Before the crisis, job loss experience and duration were not associated with harmful drinking. During the crisis, job loss for more than 6 months was associated with episodic drinking [OR 1.40 (95% CI 1.01; 1.94)], while current job loss was associated with chronic drinking [OR 1.43 (95% CI 1.03; 1.98)]. These associations were most clear in men and different between the pre-crisis and crisis period (p interaction = 0.023 and 0.035, respectively).

Conclusions

The results suggest that economic crises strengthen the potential impact of job loss on harmful drinking, predominately among men.

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Title: Harmful drinking after job loss: a stronger association during the post-2008 economic crisis?
Authors: Moniek C. M. de Goeij
Jan-Willem Bruggink
Ferdy Otten
Anton E. Kunst
Publication date: 01-06-2017
Publisher: Springer International Publishing
Published in: International Journal of Public Health / Issue 5/2017
Print ISSN: 1661-8556
Electronic ISSN: 1661-8564
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00038-016-0936-3

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Harmful drinking after job loss: a stronger association during the post-2008 economic crisis?

Abstract

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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