Time allocation and health

2015 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 26780168
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Young Scientists (B)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Research Field: Public finance/Public economy
• Research Institution: Tohoku University
• Principal Investigator: Ibuka Yoko 東北大学, 経済学研究科(研究院), 准教授 (20612279)
• Project Period (FY): 2014-04-01 – 2016-03-31
• Keywords: 景気変動 / 主観的健康観 / 労働時間

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Existing studies repeatedly show that individual health improves during economic downturns in developed countries using mortality as health measures. This study examines the relationship between macroeconomic conditions and general health of individuals in Japan. We use nationally representative data of more than one million Japanese adults between 1998 and 2010, the period during which the country experienced sizable macroeconomic fluctuations from post “lost decade” and the global financial crisis. We did not find health status improves during economic downturns in contrast to findings from previous studies. The non-indication of the pro-cyclical impact of macroeconomic conditions on health is partly attributable to the difference in the adjustment in hours worked associated with business cycle between manual and non-manual workers. Our results confirm a revision in time allocation as one of the mechanisms on the impact of business cycles on health.

Free Research Field

医療経済学