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Table 1 Material deprivation according to the European Union-Survey of Income and Living conditions (EU-SILC)

From: Understanding the impact of the economic crisis on child health: the case of Spain

The definition of material deprivation was based on a selection of items that are considered to be necessary or desirable, namely: having arrears on mortgage or rent payments, utility bills, hire purchase instalments or other loan payments; not being able to afford one week’s annual holiday away from home; not being able to afford a meal with meat, chicken, fish (or vegetarian equivalent) every second day; not being able to face unexpected financial expenses; not being able to buy a telephone (including mobile phone); not being able to buy a colour television; not being able to buy a washing machine; not being able to buy a car; or not being able to afford heating to keep the house warm. The severe material deprivation rate was defined as the proportion of persons who cannot afford to pay for at least four out of the nine items specified above.