Protests continue in Greece over sweeping austerity measures that have cut jobs, slashed services and raised taxes. A new study has found that the economic crisis in Greece is having a major impact on public heath. Researchers at the University of Cambridge say Greece’s worsening economic situation has increased depression, suicides, drug abuse and prostitution. Study co-author Alexander Kentikelenis said the figures are “shocking.”

Alexander Kentikelenis: “We have been able to find reports by the minister of health and other officials quoting a 25 percent rise in suicides in 2010 and a 40 percent rise in suicides in the first half of 2011. Now, this makes quite a shocking—this is quite shocking information. However, we need to relate that to the rapidity of the economic change, essentially the downturn in the economy. Previous studies have shown that the rapidity of economic change does have an adverse effect on public health.”