Unemployment is a public health problem which requires both preventive and curative actions. Already stated in previous reports, this imperative is reaffirmed in a study made public on Tuesday 14 December and conducted on the initiative of several associations. It once again highlights the extent of the damage that deprivation of activity causes on the physical and psychological state of the people concerned.
At the origin of this initiative, there are four organizations which are known for their involvement in the social field: Force femmes, La Cravate solidaire, Solidarités nouvelles face au unemployment, Territories zero long-term unemployed. The survey is based on a poll in which 977 unemployed people participated, from March to June. The selected sample is not representative, in particular because it counts 80% of women, which is much higher than the place they occupy in the population registered with Pôle Emploi. Given these methodological limitations, the research results, expressed as percentages, turn out to be fragile and can hardly be given as such. However, there are some interesting trends to discuss.
Those who say they have noticed a deterioration in their health since they sought a position constitute a minority, whose weight is significant. The percentage of individuals who observe a negative evolution of their condition is higher when they have been inactive for more than three years.
Several proposals
Unsurprisingly, unemployment is a serious blow to the morale of the women and men who are victims of it. Many respondents feel isolated and report having “A worse image” on their own since they were looking for work. Being unemployed “Promotes depression, anxiety and anxiety”, while contributing to the emergence of addictive practices (alcohol, tobacco).
This research also shows the difficulties encountered by some registered with Pôle emploi to go to the doctor. A small minority explain, in fact, having given up on medical treatment or examinations. “For financial reasons”, when she needed it. A painful situation for those concerned, who, moreover, “Long-term consequences on public health spending”.
For the sponsors of the survey, “Taking care of the health of these people is a major challenge” which must be noted promptly. With this in mind, several proposals are made: “Free and regular access to a psychological help service”, establishment of a “Periodic medical examination throughout the job search process”, free supply of “Basic emergency and hygiene products” (women’s protection, dental care, etc.). The four associations also recommend simplifying the granting of complementary solidarity health, a device that helps people with modest resources to pay for medical expenses.