• David Stuckler, Aaron Reeves, Rachel Loopstra, Marina Karanikolos, and Martin McKee.
• Dondena Research Centre, University of Bocconi, Milan Italy.
• Eur J Public Health. 2017 Oct 1; 27 (suppl_4): 18-21.

AbstractAusterity measures-reducing social spending and increasing taxation-hurts deprived groups the most. Less is known about the impact on health. In this short review, we evaluate the evidence of austerity's impact on health, through two main mechanisms: a 'social risk effect' of increasing unemployment, poverty, homelessness and other socio-economic risk factors (indirect), and a 'healthcare effect' through cuts to healthcare services, as well as reductions in health coverage and restricting access to care (direct). We distinguish those impacts of economic crises from those of austerity as a response to it. Where possible, data from across Europe will be drawn upon, as well as more extensive analysis of the UK's austerity measures performed by the authors of this review.© The Author 2017. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Public Health Association.

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