Smoking and Drinking Rise as Money Worries

Salary cuts and reduced working hours are affecting almost half of all households, with money matters now having overtaken the pursuit of personal happiness in lists of priorities, a study has found. As the effect of the recession deepens, the 2011 Pfizer Health Index indicates the toll the austere times are taking on our health. Pointing to increased drinking and smoking and lower motivation for personal improvement, the survey finds seven out of 10 people are struggling to make ends meet. The study also found: * 26% rate money as our main concerns, up from 20% last year. * Difficulties making debt payments rose from 18% in 2009 to 31% in 2011. * Among women working outside of the home, 36% are the sole breadwinner. * Tradespeople, cash-rich in the boom but badly hit by the property crash, feature heavily in the group without either medical card or private health insurance. * 7% more people are drinking at home and 5% more in pubs, but two thirds are socialising less. * 1% (mostly women) were screened for a sexually transmitted disease last year. The report found financial concerns have taken priority over self-improvement, with the number saying they did not intend to change negative lifestyles up from 14% in 2005 to 34% in 2011. The survey finds smoking rose 3% — primarily among medical card holders. David Gallagher, managing director of Pfizer Healthcare Ireland, said the recession "was causing certain groups in society to embark upon escapist ill-advised behaviour" that would place a further burden on the health service.