HEALTH BEHAVIOURS SURVEY IN THE GREY, BRUCE, HURON, PERTH DISTRICT

District results of a national survey on health behaviours have been compiled into a report that highlights the need for healthier lifestyles and more preventive programs throughout Grey, Bruce, Huron and Perth counties.

The report covers health areas such as health-related quality of life, tobacco use, alcohol use, physical activity, sexual health, breastfeeding, screening for cancer, influenza vaccination coverage, and the use of health services and medications.

Nearly 1500 residents aged twelve and over across the district were interviewed by phone between October of 1996 and August of 1997 as part of the Statistics Canada survey.

With a few exceptions, the results for the district are in line with the provincial averages.

Here are some key findings from the survey:

Self-Rated Health

·        64% of those surveyed feel their health is very good to excellent.

Overweight

·        35% of those surveyed between the ages of 20 and 64 are overweight.  This is well above the provincial average of 28%.

Physical inactivity

·        Only 64% of male adolescents between the ages of 12 and 19 are regularly active. The provincial average is 75%.

Workplace Smoking

·        Only 29% of district workers reported their workplaces have completely restricted smoking compared to the provincial average of 43%.

Youth Smoking

·        22% of teens between the ages of 12 and 19 smoke, which is slightly higher than the provincial average of 17%.

Drinking

·        62% of those surveyed between the ages of 12 and 19 consumed five or more drinks on one occasion in the past 12 months.  This is well above the provincial average of 45%.

·        8% of respondents admitted driving after having too much to drink on at least one occasion in the past 12 months.  The provincial average is 6%.

Sexual Health

·        46% of teens between the ages of 15 and 19 have had sex at least once, which is slightly higher than the provincial average of 41%.

Screening For Cancer

·        71% of women 18 and over reported having a Pap test within the past three years.  This is just slightly lower compared to the provincial average of 74%.

·        65% of women between the ages of 50 and 69 reported having a mammogram (breast x-ray) within the past two years.  This is just slightly lower compared to the provincial average of 67%.

While national and provincial results of this survey have been previously published, it is the local results in this report that will allow health program planners to understand more about the health of our community.  According to Evelyn Crosse, Epidemiologist at the Perth District Health Unit and one of the authors of the report, “The more we know about the health-related behaviours and attitudes of our local populations, the better we can plan programs which will really benefit our communities. This report will be a valuable planning and evaluation tool for all health agencies in the area.”

The report is a joint initiative of the Perth District Health Unit, Grey Bruce Huron Perth District Health Council, Grey Bruce Health Unit and the Huron County Health Unit.

For more information please contact your local Public Health Unit or District Health Council:

Mariella Vigneux, Public Information Coordinator, Grey Bruce Health Unit 376-9420 ext. 282.

Shirley Borges, Senior Health Planner, Grey Bruce Huron Perth District Health Council