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The effect of job loss on pharmaceutical prescriptions

Author

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  • Rocco, Lorenzo
  • Crema, Angela
  • Simonato, Lorenzo
  • Cestari, Laura

Abstract

We estimate the effect of job loss on the probability that long-tenured workers are prescribed anti-hypertensive and psychotropic drugs. We exploit two administrative data sources from the Veneto region in Italy and estimate an event-study model. Our results indicate that the probability of drug prescription increases among under-40 males but not among older males or female workers. We suggest that the effect on younger male workers is the combined result of their typical role as breadwinners, limited wealth buffers in case of layoff, and unfavourable employment legislative protection.

Suggested Citation

  • Rocco, Lorenzo & Crema, Angela & Simonato, Lorenzo & Cestari, Laura, 2018. "The effect of job loss on pharmaceutical prescriptions," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 217(C), pages 73-83.
  • Handle: RePEc:eee:socmed:v:217:y:2018:i:c:p:73-83
    DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2018.09.059
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Job loss; Plant closure; Collective layoff; Drug prescriptions; Administrative data;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • I12 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Health Behavior
    • J63 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Mobility, Unemployment, Vacancies, and Immigrant Workers - - - Turnover; Vacancies; Layoffs
    • J65 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Mobility, Unemployment, Vacancies, and Immigrant Workers - - - Unemployment Insurance; Severance Pay; Plant Closings

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