Being in debt is a major cause of ill-health among women in Ireland, a study launched today has claimed.
The research by the Women's Health Council (WHC) and the Money Advice and Budgeting Service (Mabs) found almost 70 per cent of women surveyed identified a link between debt and their health problems.
The groups said there must be greater support for those in debt if society is to reduce the impact on families and individuals.
WHC director Geraldine Luddy said: "We already know that women in less well-off socio-economic groups are at the greatest disadvantage with regard to health and have been found to be at greater risk of developing poor health.
"This study shows that being in debt also plays a considerable part in their experience of ill health."
The survey of MABS clients found 81 per cent of women mentioned their mental or emotional health during their consultation with MABS money advisers - most commonly mentioning stress, depression and anxiety.
A total of 40 per cent mentioned a physical health problem - general aches and pains, extreme tiredness and respiratory problems.
In addition 68 per cent said debt was affecting their health and 27 per cent said it also affected the health of their family members.
The Women's Health Council is a statutory body which advises the minister for health, while the publicly-funded MABS is a free, confidential and independent service for people in debt.
The research released by the groups also found:
- 12 per cent of women did not have a medical or GP visit card despite being on low income.
- 88 per cent of women in the study have children, with debt implications for the health of both the children and the women.
- 68 per cent of women in the study were parenting alone
- 15 per cent of women reported having a disability, most of whom felt ill-health contributed to their debt.
- Living on a low income was the most commonly identified contributory factor to debt.
The authors of the study said it focused on women because they make up the largest proportion (65 per cent) of clients attending the Mabs service and because women are at a higher risk of poverty and indebtedness. They called for policies to tackle the health implications of debt.
The Financial Regulator's Consumer Director Mary O'Dea commended Mabs and the Women's Health Council for the research which she said highlighted the need for clear and independent advice for those who are vulnerable to debt.