Mass privatisation raised death rate in most post-communist European countries, new research suggests

Background

During the early-1990s, adult mortality rates rose in most post-communist European countries. Substantial differences across countries and over time remain unexplained. The study investigates whether mass privatisation can account for differences in adult mortality rates in such countries.

Methods

The researchers examined death rates among men of working age in the post-communist countries of eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union between 1989 and 2002.

Findings

They conclude that as many as one million working-age men died due to the economic shock of mass privatisation policies.

Following the break up of the old Soviet regime in the early 1990s at least a quarter of large state-owned enterprises were transferred to the private sector in just two years. This programme of mass privatisation was associated with a 12.8% increase in deaths.

The latest analysis links this surge in deaths to a 56% increase in unemployment over the same period.

Interpretation

The authors wrote: "The policy implications are clear. Great caution should be taken when macroeconomic policies seek radically to overhaul the economy without considering potential effects on the population’s health."

"The death rate was already high in the old Soviet Union, as the healthcare system was inadequate, while rates of smoking and alcohol use were high, and diets poor.

This was compounded as the unemployment rate began to rise as workers suffered from uncertainty and stress. Not only does stress have a direct effect on health, it is also closely associated with unhealthy lifestyles, such as alcoholism. Together this raises the risk of heart disease and strokes, as well as mental illness."

"The workplace also tended to provide what healthcare was available, along with social support. People got everything from work - and when they lost their jobs all that just went."

For further information

 Article in the Lancet