The cost of living and the economic crisis deteriorate the health of families, mainly through impoverishment, loss of purchasing power and increased stress. These factors affect both physical and mental health, with particularly severe consequences for children and vulnerable people.

Economic crises cause many families to experience significant losses in income, which impacts negative changes in diet, access to health services, and general well-being. This can lead to an increase in diseases related to poor nutrition, including obesity in impoverished families, due to the purchase of less expensive but less nutritious foods.

Furthermore, the cost of living decreases access to medications and treatments, making it difficult to manage chronic diseases in children and adults.

Repercussions on mental health

Financial uncertainty and economic hardship generate stress and anxiety in family members, affecting mental and emotional health. This can increase the incidence of psychological problems, family conflicts, and a deterioration in the family's internal social dynamics.

The crisis also limits access to mental health and prevention services, worsening the situation.

Economic crises, especially unemployment and financial instability, cause a significant increase in mental disorders such as depression, anxiety, and alcoholism among young people. The constant stress caused by a lack of economic resources, job insecurity, and lack of future expectations have a direct negative impact on the mental health of this group.

Effects on children and vulnerable groups

Children are particularly vulnerable to economic crises, as deprivation in childhood affects their present and future health.

Lack of resources can lead to chronic diseases, malnutrition, and educational difficulties, perpetuating a cycle of intergenerational poverty and poor health.

In many countries, the crisis is resulting in increased infant mortality and worsening health indicators.

Social inequality

The crisis does not affect everyone equally; it accentuates social and economic inequalities, which in turn impacts the health of impoverished populations more intensely.

Developing countries and the poorest households tend to suffer more, due to the combination of lower purchasing power and fewer available public services.

In short, the economic crisis deteriorates the health of families by reducing disposable income, which affects nutrition, access to healthcare, and generates emotional stress, with very serious impacts on children and vulnerable sectors of the population that perpetuate social inequalities and long-term health problems.