Being in debt is a major cause of ill-health among women in Ireland, a study has claimed.

   The research by the Women's Health Council (WHC) and the Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS) found almost 70% 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% 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% mentioned a physical health problem - general aches and pains, extreme tiredness and respiratory problems.

   In addition 68% said debt was affecting their health and 27% 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 forpeople in debt.
 
   The research released by the groups also found that 12% of women did not have a medical or GP visit card despite being on low income and 88% of women in the study have children, with debt implications for the health of both the children and the women.

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