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The effect of obesity, alcohol misuse and smoking on employment and hours worked: evidence from the Icelandic economic collapse

Author

Listed:
  • Tinna Laufey Ásgeirsdóttir

    (University of Iceland)

  • Harpa H. Berndsen

    (University of Iceland)

  • Bryndís Þ. Guðmundsdóttir

    (University of Iceland)

  • Bryndís A. Gunnarsdóttir

    (University of Iceland)

  • Hugrún J. Halldórsdóttir

    (University of Iceland)

Abstract

In this study the relationship between obesity, alcohol misuse, smoking and changes in quantity of labor supplied during an economic meltdown are examined. The data used stem from a health and lifestyle panel survey carried out by the Public Health Institute of Iceland in 2007 and 2009. Probit analysis was used to assess if pre-crisis body weight, alcohol misuse or smoking were related to subsequent job-loss or a reduction in hours worked following the 2008 economic collapse in Iceland. Results indicated that body weight, alcohol misuse and smoking are related to reductions in quantity of labor supplied for females only. Female body mass index was positively related to the probability of a reduction in quantity of labor supplied, while alcohol misuse and smoking were negatively related to the probability of decreasing hours worked for females.

Suggested Citation

  • Tinna Laufey Ásgeirsdóttir & Harpa H. Berndsen & Bryndís Þ. Guðmundsdóttir & Bryndís A. Gunnarsdóttir & Hugrún J. Halldórsdóttir, 2016. "The effect of obesity, alcohol misuse and smoking on employment and hours worked: evidence from the Icelandic economic collapse," Review of Economics of the Household, Springer, vol. 14(2), pages 313-335, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:reveho:v:14:y:2016:i:2:d:10.1007_s11150-013-9225-6
    DOI: 10.1007/s11150-013-9225-6
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    2. Birgisdóttir, Kristín Helga & Hauksdóttir, Arna & Ruhm, Christopher & Valdimarsdóttir, Unnur Anna & Ásgeirsdóttir, Tinna Laufey, 2020. "The effect of the economic collapse in Iceland on the probability of cardiovascular events," Economics & Human Biology, Elsevier, vol. 37(C).
    3. Tinna Laufey Asgeirsdottir & Asgerður Th. Bjornsdottir & Thorhildur Ólafsdóttir, 2017. "Drinking behavior during the Icelandic economic boom, crisis, and recovery," Review of Economics of the Household, Springer, vol. 15(4), pages 1191-1213, December.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Obesity; Alcohol; Smoking; Employment; Labor supply; Business cycles;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • I10 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - General
    • J01 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - General - - - Labor Economics: General
    • J16 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Economics of Gender; Non-labor Discrimination
    • J23 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Labor Demand
    • J22 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Time Allocation and Labor Supply
    • E00 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - General - - - General

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