Health & Lifestyles in Four Counties November 1998
Synopsis:
The 1997 Oxford Healthy Lifestyle Survey (HLS3) was
the third such survey to be conducted in the 4 counties
of the Old Oxford region (Berkshire, Buckinghamshire,
Northamptonshire and Oxfordshire), the first having been
undertaken in 1995-8 (HLS1), and the second in 1991-2
(HLS2). The latest survey elicited responses from a
representative sample of 8,889 adults aged 18-64
registered with General Practitioners in the 4 counties,
as response rate of 64%. A summary of the main finding
are as follows:
- A good diet and exercise are the areas or life
people most commonly believed to be positive for
their own health, followed by good relationships and
enough relaxation/sleep. Around 1 in 5 believe work
(including overwork), and 1 in 6 believe stress are
the key negative factors affecting health.
- Regular vigorous leisure time exercise has
increased steadily in all social groups since the
first Healthy Lifestyle Survey. Despite these
encouraging trends, only 12% report the recommended
level of vigorous physical activity, and 17% the
recommended level of non-vigorous activity. 1 in 3
adults report neither type of physical activity on a
weekly basis. Frequency of physical activity varied
between men and women, social classes and age
groups; with men , those under 25 and people in
higher social classes reporting the most frequent
vigorous, and those aged 55-64 and in social class
V, reporting the most frequent non-vigorous
activity.
- Around 1 in 23 reported problems with their
eyesight, and 1 in 15 problems with their hearing,
which "affected everyday life". Black and Asian
people were more likely to report disabilities
involving eyesight, and men, older people and manual
worker disabilities involving hearing.
For further information please contact:
Health & Services Research Unit,
Department for Public Health,
University of Oxford,
Institute of Health Services,
Headington,
Oxford OX3 7LF |
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