Irish in Denial about Poor Health

People in Ireland are getting fatter, taking less exercise and smoking more, yet half of us continue to describe our health as “excellent” or “very good”, according to the results from the latest National Health and Lifestyle Survey (SLÁN 2007).

The SLÁN survey involved face-to-face interviews with 10,364 adults on lifestyle habits such as smoking, alcohol consumption, mental health, diet and physical activity. It revealed

Some of the key facts to emerge from the survey are sombre reading:

• Despite the smoking ban, the number of people who smoke increased from 27% in 2002 to 29% in 2007. The percentage is even higher among young people.
• 28% of adults binge drink (6 or more standard drinks) at least once a week, down 17% from 2002. Among young men under 30 the percentage is 48%.
• 39% of over 18s are medically overweight with a further 25% classified as obese.
• 80% of men over 45 are overweight.
• 22% of the population reported being inactive, with another 24% taking limited exercise but not at a level great enough to be considered physically active.
• The most common reason given for not exercising was “no time”.
• 33% either always or usually add salt to food at the table, despite the fact that this increases the risk of high blood pressure.
• A physical examination on a sample of more than 1,200 adults over the age of 45 revealed that many have raised cholesterol and high blood pressure.
• 6% reported experiencing major depression within the last year. Depression was more common among women than men.
• Half the population recorded self-rated health as ‘excellent’ or very ‘good’.
• One of the only glimpses of health in the survey is that 65% of the population are consuming the recommended five or more servings of fruits and vegetables daily.

The SLÁN 2007 survey, the third in a series of lifestyle and behaviour studies of the Irish population, was commissioned by the Department of Health and Children. It is the largest national health and lifestyle survey of adults undertaken in Ireland to date.

The Survey Report is available online at www.dohc.ie or at www.slan07.ie

Posted Tuesday 6th May 2008