Does economic crisis affect prevention services? An Italian region as a study case

<p><strong>Background: </strong>The Latium Region in Italy is currently under pressure from national government to achieve economic consolidation of regional health services and is subject to a formal regional recovery plan.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Using recognized health indicators together with a government assessment tool, we evaluate the impact of the economic downturn on the health of the Latium Region population.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>We find that healthcare spending in the Latium Region needs to become more efficient by improving primary healthcare and by restoring efficiency in hospitals.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Prevention activities should not only be defended in the current financial and economic crisis, but also streamlined and strengthened.