Hygeia Public Health 2016, 51(2): 146-153pl

Health implications of unemployment in Poland and Silesia, against background of social change

Marcin Dudek ^1/, Joanna Kasznia-Kocot ^1,2/, Agata Wypych-Ślusarska ^1/

1/ Zakład Epidemiologii, Katedra Epidemiologii i Biostatystyki, Wydział Zdrowia Publicznego, Śląski Uniwersytet Medyczny w Katowicach
2/ Poradnia Alergologiczna, Instytut Medycyny Pracy i Zdrowia Środowiskowego w Sosnowcu

Summary
The aim of this article is to present the impact of unemployment on health status of the population, with particular emphasis on the family of the unemployed. The impact of unemployment on health had been the subject of scientific discussion since before the World War II. Chronic diseases are more common in children from families with at least one unemployed parent. The unemployed are more likely to use cigarettes and alcohol. Parental unemployment has a negative impact on the health of young people, characterized by worsened physical and mental health. Among the families of the unemployed more common are somatic symptoms, e.g. headaches, stomachaches and psychical symptoms, such as depression, anxiety. Numerous studies have shown that families affected by unemployment are characterized by decreased health, including mental health. Unemployment results in a lowered standard of living, can increase marginalization and exclusion from social life. The article describes the stages of changes in the labor market, taking into account the process of economic and social change.

Key words:  unemployment, health problems, social changes, family