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 preexisting 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%20ch
allenge.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.