Good times make you sick

J Health Econ. 2003 Jul;22(4):637-58. doi: 10.1016/S0167-6296(03)00041-9.

Abstract

This study uses microdata from the 1972-1981 National Health Interview Surveys (NHIS) to examine how health status and medical care utilization fluctuate with state macroeconomic conditions. Personal characteristics, location fixed-effects, general time effects and (usually) state-specific time trends are controlled for. The major finding is that there is a counter-cyclical variation in physical health that is especially pronounced for individuals of prime-working age, employed persons, and males. The negative health effects of economic expansions persist or accumulate over time, are larger for acute than chronic ailments, and occur despite a protective effect of income and a possible increase in the use of medical care. Finally, there is some suggestion that mental health may be procyclical, in sharp contrast to physical well-being.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Acute Disease / economics
  • Acute Disease / epidemiology*
  • Adult
  • Chronic Disease / economics
  • Chronic Disease / epidemiology*
  • Female
  • Health Services Needs and Demand / economics*
  • Health Services Needs and Demand / trends
  • Health Status*
  • Hospitalization / statistics & numerical data
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Models, Economic*
  • Office Visits / statistics & numerical data
  • Prevalence
  • Probability
  • Socioeconomic Factors
  • Time
  • United States / epidemiology