Inflation and health: a global scoping review

Movsisyan, Ani ; Wendel, Flora; Bethel, Alison; Coenen, Michaela ; Krajewska, Joanna; Littlecott, Hannah J.; Stöckl, Heidi ; Voss, Stephan ; Wollmershäuser, Timo and Rehfuess, Eva A. (2024): Inflation and health: a global scoping review. In: Lancet Global Health, Vol. 12, No. 6, e1038-e1048

Abstract

High levels of economic inflation can adversely affect societies and individuals in many ways. Although numerous studies explore the health implications of macroeconomic factors, systematic investigation of the inflation–health nexus has been scarce. We conducted a comprehensive scoping review mapping the literature on inflation and health. From 8923 screened records, 69 empirical studies were analysed. These studies explored a wide range of health-related risk factors (eg, diet, substance use, stress, and violence) and outcomes (eg, life expectancy, mortality, suicidal behaviour, and mental health) linked to inflation, across diverse contexts and timeframes. The findings suggest a predominantly negative effect of inflation on health, with specific socioeconomic groups facing greater risks. Our Review uncovers notable gaps in the literature, particularly in geographical coverage, methodological approaches, and specific health outcomes. Among global socioeconomic and geopolitical shifts, understanding and mitigating the health effects of inflation is of contemporary relevance and merits thorough academic attention.

• Item Type: Journal article
• Faculties: Psychology and Education Science > Department Education and Rehabilitation; Medicine > Institute for Medical Information Processing, Biometry and Epidemiology; Medicine > Institute for Medical Information Processing, Biometry and Epidemiology > Chair of Public Health and Health Services Research
• Subjects: 600 Technology > 610 Medicine and health
• ISSN: 2214109X
• Language: English
• DFG: Gefördert durch die Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - 491502892