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

• Main Authors: Tinna Laufey Ásgeirsdóttir, Harpa H. Berndsen, Bryndís Þ. Guðmundsdóttir, Bryndís A. Gunnarsdóttir, Hugrún J. Halldórsdóttir
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: unknown
• Subjects: Iceland
• Online Access: http://link.springer.com/10.1007/s11150-013-9225-6

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. Obesity, Alcohol, Smoking, Employment, Labor supply, Business cycles