https://doi.org/10.24141/2/3/2/6
Boris Ilić ; University of Applied Health Sciences, Zagreb, Croatia
Sanja Ledinski Fičko ; University of Applied Health Sciences, Zagreb, Croatia
Ana Marija Hošnjak ; University of Applied Health Sciences, Zagreb, Croatia
Irena Kovačević ; University of Applied Health Sciences, Zagreb, Croatia
Martina Smrekar ; University of Applied Health Sciences, Zagreb, Croatia
Biserka Sedić ; University of Applied Health Sciences, Zagreb, Croatia
Abstract
Introduction.
At the time of the global economies’ recovery from the effects
of fourth major recession after the Second World War, there was a major increase
in the unemployment rate that created a significant existential and public
health challenge.
Aim. The aim
of this study was to provide a systematic review of available research on
effects of unemployment on access to health care, and consequentially on
health of the population.
Methods.
A systematic search of relevant, peer-reviewed electronic
databases was conducted to identify systematic reviews, review articles,
original research papers and reports for the period of past ten years.
Results.
10.234 results were initially identified, five of which were
included in this review.
Conclusion. Significant number of studies confirms that the unemployed
individuals, due to sometimes limited access to health care, have impaired
health in comparison to the employed population, both in physical and mental
health. Global economic change will have a stronger impact on the health of the
population in poor countries, therefore a fair and comprehensive system of
health care for the unemployed is of paramount importance for the purpose of
preserving the health of the population.
Keywords
unemployment, health care, economic crisis, recession