Effects of the economic crisis and social support on health-related quality of life: first wave of a longitudinal study in Spain

Background: Economic recession affects quality of life by increasing rates of mental disorders in particular. Social support can be an important protective factor.

Aim: To estimate the impact of being personally affected by an economic crisis on health-related quality of life (HRQoL), taking into account the possible buffering effect of perceived social support.

Design and setting: Data from the first wave (March 2012 to November 2012) of the 'Social Support and Quality of Life Study', a longitudinal study carried out in a primary health care centre in a deprived neighbourhood of Barcelona, Spain.

Method: A total of 143 participants were assessed using the 12-item Short-Form Health Survey, the List of Threatening Experiences and the Duke Social Support scales. The effect of economic crisis on mental and physical HRQoL was assessed using ordinary least squares regression models to test the interaction between social support and having experienced an economic crisis.

Results: There was no statistical association between having suffered an economic crisis and physical HRQoL. The interaction between social support and economic crisis was also tested without finding any statistical association. An interaction was detected between social support and economic crisis in relation to mental HRQoL; those who had low levels of social support and had also experienced an economic crisis had the lowest levels of mental HRQoL.

Conclusion: Social support constitutes a safety net that offers protection against the adverse effect of economic recessions on mental health. Primary care professionals are in a key position to promote social activities and to strengthen social networks in the community.