The negative effect of the economic crisis on Bulgaria's population is going down, according to poll conducted by the "Open Society" Institute and the World Bank.

The poll, involving 6 225 respondents, shows the percentage of those affected by the crisis was 19% in September 2010, compared to 24% in February.

Poverty line, however, remains high, especially compared to the EU average. In September 21.4% of Bulgarians were at risk of poverty, compared to 21.1% in January, according to the EU statistical office Eurostat.

Every 3rd household limits the consumption of food while every 5th does not purchase the needed medications.

8% of those polled say they skip meals while this percentage reaches 17% among the most disadvantaged sectors of society.

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