Unemployment and Mortality in France, 1982-2002

This study uses aggregate panel data on 96 French départements for the period from 1982 to 2002 to investigate the relationship between macroeconomic conditions and mortality. We estimate linear regression models with local area and time fixed effects. The main finding is that higher local unemployment rates are associated with significant reductions in mortality. The sign and magnitude of the effects are quite consistent with several recent studies using data from other countries. Models of mortality by source indicate that the negative relationship between unemployment and mortality is strongest for deaths due to cardiovascular disease and accidents. We thank Marie Laure Monteil, Eric Jougla and Eric Desquesses for making available the mortality and unemployment data we use in this study. Thanks also to Sabina Ohri who provided able research assistance. Chris Ruhm, Dean Lillard and seminar participants at McMaster University and the ASHE Conference provided helpful comments and suggestions. All remaining errors are ours.