Lifestyles in Italy during the crisis: Changes in unhealthy behaviors according to the occupational conditions

Sociological literature recognizes in social structure an important determinant of individuals’ health conditions. A large number of studies stress the influence of social stratification, such as education and occupational position, on health indicators. However, we also know that the worsening of socio-economic conditions is only partly transmitted directly. In fact, many effects are associated with individual and familial lifestyles. Moreover, it’s important to describe the dynamics of these relationships also considering macro-changes, such as those imposed by the economic crisis. For example, some authors argue that phases of economic recession produce ambivalent effects on health. In this perspective this work shows changes in some risk factors in the years of the crisis associated with territorial dimension and the job position. The study uses data from ISTAT Multiscope Data Aspects of Daily Life (2005-2013). The analyzes are conducted with multivariate multilevel regression techniques. Among the epidemiologically validated risk factors we stress the followings: 1) smoking, 2) alcohol, 3) obesity and diet, and 4) physical activity. The results show a substantial stability over years considered, with the exception of a general decrease in alcohol consumption. The occupational stratification of unhealthy lifestyles would remain substantially unchanged, meanwhile the only social category that appears to be worsening (in particular smoking and physical activity) is composed of unemployed persons in southern Italy, an area strongly impacted by the crisis.