The recession has forced many people to cut back on visits to the doctor and reduce the purchase of over-the-counter and prescription medicines, a new survey suggests.
More than 1,000 people were questioned on the health and well-being of the Irish population.
14% of all adults and one-in-five unemployed have cut down on prescription medicines, according to the 2009 Health Index commissioned by the pharmaceutical firm Pfizer.
Nearly 25% of people are more reluctant to visit a health care professional due to the cost.
Personal and family health is the key issue for 27% of adults and most people consider themselves to be in good health, the survey shows.
The provision of more hospital beds is the top medical priority for people, followed by more screening programmes, better access to GPs and medical cards.
The most common medical conditions are blood pressure, asthma and high cholesterol.
The study says that for the recently unemployed, there is a significant impact on self-esteem, which is also causing domestic tension and ill health. They are more likely to report depression than the general population.
People are also showing a greater interest in eating more healthily as a result of the recession.
