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		| Damiano  Fiorillo and Fabio  Sabatini | 
	
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		| ''An exploratory analysis of the relationship  between social interactions, income and health in Italy'' | 
	
		| ( 2011, Vol. 31 No.2 ) | 
	
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		| This paper carries out an exploratory investigation into the effect of various types of social interaction on health in Italy. After controlling for household income, education, work status and a number of socio-demographic variables, we find that the frequency of meetings with friends is significantly and positively associated with self-perceived health. The frequency of visits with relatives has a significant, but weaker effect. Membership in voluntary organizations is a significant and weakly negative predictor of good health. Other relevant explanatory variables are education and work status. | 
	
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		| Keywords: Statistical matching,  well-being,  social interactions,  social capital,  health,  Italy | 
	
		| JEL: I1 - Health: General Z1 - Cultural Economics; Economic Sociology; Economic Anthropology: General
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		| | Manuscript Received : Nov 16 2010 |  | Manuscript Accepted : May 12 2011 | 
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