Facing the Challenge

The Impact of Recession & Unemployment on Men’s Health in Ireland

June 2011

Prepared by Nexus Research for the Institute of Public Health in Ireland

Aims & Methods

The research aimed to increase understanding of health related issues and challenges experienced by men in relation to unemployment, and worsening economic circumstances with particular focus on mental health.

This included:

• A review of evidence exploring causal and consequential links between recession, unemployment and men’s health

• A review of front line organisation experience (web based questionnaire)

• Interviews and focus groups with men• Action-focused seminars with agencies and organisations• Interviews with service providers and policy-makers

Evidence

• International evidence demonstrated links between unemployment and poor mental and physical health.

– In particular; cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, depression, suicide, alcohol misuse. Marital dissolution and higher mortality in the case of pre- existing illness or disability.

– This issue may be more complex, with some evidence of recession improving health in Nordic countries. Social supports and a more even distribution of wealth may be greater contributors to good health than economic cycles.

Irish Context

• Irish evidence identifies employment status as the most important predictor of psychological distress. The Health Research Board (2008) and the National Suicide Research Foundation (2008) draws attention to the association of unemployment with a two to three–fold increased risk of suicide among men.

• Northern Irish statistics link suicidal behaviour with areas of disadvantage.

• Live register figures, as well as suicide figures appear to echo these links.

Irish Context & Successful Responses

• In the Republic of Ireland there is a National Men’s Health Policy, and in Northern Ireland the Public Health Agency Corporate Plan addresses the need for action on men’s health in relation to unemployment.But…– Men are less likely than women to engage in preventative

measures in relation to their health.– There are significant gaps in service provision across the island.

• Examples of good practice, internationally and nationally are available. These all display an understanding of the core challenges combined with imaginative ways of communicating and building awareness.

Results

• Survey of frontline organisations: stress and anxiety were the most significant challenges for men they had contact with linked to unemployment. Difficulties in communicating problems was evident among all men (employed and unemployed).

• Interviews and Focus Groups with Men:– Impact of unemployment on self confidence– Mainstream services; negative experiences and

further impacts on self-esteem

Recommendations

• Public awareness is required to communicate the challenge and reduce stigma

• Mainstream service providers responses need to be improved

• There is a great need to support and extend local ‘infrastructure’

• Establish an All-Ireland Men’s Health Platform for Action

References

Nexus Research. (June 2011). Facing the Challenge: The Impact of Recession and Unemployment on Men’s Health in Ireland. (Institute of Public Health in Ireland). http://www.publichealth.ie/files/file/Publications/Facing%20the%20challenge.pdf

National Suicide Research Foundation. (2008). National Registry of Deliberate Self-Harm Ireland Annual Report 2006-2007. Dublin.

Tedstone-Doherty et al. (2008). Psychological distress, mental health problems and use of health services in Ireland. Health Research Board Research Series 5: Dublin.