Impact of a social and employment crisis on the demand for mental health care (Footwear Crisis, Elche 2004)

Carlos Jeremías Martínez Pastor; Miguel Alfonso García Escudero; Ana Martí Martínez; Francisco Fenollar Iváñez; Julio Quiles Lloret; Vicente Real Román

doi:10.1016/j.rpsm.2011.02.001

Impact of a social and employment crisis on the demand for mental health care (Footwear Crisis, Elche 2004)

Rev Psiquiatr Salud Ment. 2011 Apr;4(2):75-80. doi: 10.1016/j.rpsm.2011.02.001. Epub 2011 May 18.

[Article in English, Spanish]

Authors

Carlos Jeremías Martínez Pastor¹, Miguel Alfonso García Escudero, Ana Martí Martínez, Francisco Fenollar Iváñez, Julio Quiles Lloret, Vicente Real Román

Affiliation

¹ USM Altabix, Hospital General Universitario de Elche, España. carlosj_mtnez_pastor@yahoo.es

PMID: 23446142
DOI: 10.1016/j.rpsm.2011.02.001

Abstract

Introduction: Between December 1999 and December 2004 the footwear manufacturing industry in Elche suffered a 24% fall in employment. In this context, it was decided to conduct study to detect possible changes in the demand for mental health care.

Material and methods: The first-time consultations between December 2001 and June 2002 were compared with those seen between October 2004 and April 2005. Differences were looked for in the percentage of referrals for work-related stress factors. The role of these work-related stress factors in the changes detected in the sociodemographic profile of the patients was also evaluated.

Results and conclusions: Changes were detected in the sociodemographic profile (gender and education level), employment status and reason for consultation. First consultations increased in the following groups: males, with a higher education level, unemployed, on sick leave or pensioners, and also those with employment problems as the main reason for consultation or a worsening of other health conditions.