公交驾驶员职业倦怠与心理健康状况的关系研究

目的 揭示公交驾驶员职业倦怠和心理健康现状,探索二者之间的关系,为减少公交驾驶员职业倦怠、提高其心理健康水平提供参考。方法 对成都市3个公交公司的995名公交驾驶员采用Maslach职业倦怠量表普适版（MBI-GS）及一般健康问卷（GHQ-12）进行调查。结果 成都市995名公交驾驶员在职业倦怠总分及情绪衰竭、玩世不恭、成就感低落维度上的中位数和四分位数间距分别为2.33(1.58)分、2.40(3.00)分、0.75(2.00)分及2.17(3.00)分,一般心理健康总分的中位数和四分位数间距为11.00(5.00)分。不同学历、锻炼情况驾驶员倦怠总分差异有统计学意义（P＜0.05）,心理健康总分在性别、驾龄及锻炼情况上差异有统计学意义（P＜0.05）。因子分析共提取了自我否定、自我肯定、严重情绪反应3个因子。职业倦怠总分及各维度与一般心理健康总分及各因子间均呈正相关（P＜0.05）,自我否定和严重情绪反应因子对职业倦怠有较好的预测作用。结论 公交驾驶员职业倦怠现象较为严重且存在一定的心理健康问题。心理健康水平可以预测驾驶员的职业倦怠。     

Relationship between the change of mental health and the improvement of lifestyle and physical health

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to clarify the relationship between the change of mental health and the improvement of lifestyle and physical health in the lifestyle intervention program. METHODS: The study was conducted using data from 126 persons (50 males and 76 females) who participated in the 6-month lifestyle intervention program. We used the result of the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ)-30 as the indicator of mental health, the number of steps, surveys concerning caloric intake, and sleeping hours as the indicator of lifestyle, and body weight, BMI, blood pressure, triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol and HBA1c. The subjects were classified into four groups based on the change of mental health: Group-GG, change from good to good (n = 80); Group-PG, change from poor to good (n = 25); Group-PP, change from poor to poor (n = 13); and Group-GP, change from good to poor (n = 8). The changes between pre-intervention and post-intervention were compared for each group by the paired t-test, and among the 4 groups by ANCOVA. RESULTS: In Group-GG, the number of steps (p < 0.01), calorie intake (p < 0.05) and sleeping hours (p < 0.01) were significantly improved, triglyceride was significantly decreased (p < 0.01), and total and HDL cholesterol were significantly increased (p < 0.01). However there were no significant changes in Group-GP. CONCLUSION: The state and change of mental health were found to be significantly associated with the improvement of lifestyle and physical health.     

Relationships of working conditions,health problems and vehicle accidents in bus rapid transit (BRT) drivers

Background

The aim of this study was to estimate accident risk rates and mental health of bus rapid transit (BRT) drivers based on psychosocial risk factors at work leading to increased stress and health problems.

Methods

A cross‐sectional research design utilized a self‐report questionnaire completed by 524 BRT drivers.

Results

Some working conditions of BRT drivers (lack of social support from supervisors and perceived potential for risk) may partially explain Bogota's BRT drivers’ involvement in road accidents. Drivers’ mental health problems were associated with higher job strain, less support from co‐workers, fewer rewards and greater signal conflict while driving.

Conclusions

To prevent bus accidents, supervisory support may need to be increased. To prevent mental health problems, other interventions may be needed such as reducing demands, increasing job control, reducing amount of incoming information, simplifying current signals, making signals less contradictory, and revising rewards.

     

公交驾驶员乘客困扰、应对方式与一般心理健康状况的关系研究

目的 了解成都市公交驾驶员的一般心理健康状态及其主要影响因素,探讨公交车乘客困扰、驾驶员应对方式与一般心理健康状况的关系。方法 使用驾驶员应对方式问卷中文简版、公交车乘客困扰问卷、一般健康问卷（GHQ - 12）对成都市公交驾驶员进行调查,了解调查对象的个体特征、乘客困扰、应对方式以及一般心理健康状况。采用logistic回归分析一般心理健康状况的主要影响因素。结果 995名成都市公交驾驶员ＧHQ - 12平均得分11.00（5.00）分,心理障碍高危人群266名。不同驾龄、婚姻状况、锻炼情况的公交驾驶员GHQ - 12得分差异均有统计学意义（P＜0.05）;logistic逐步回归分析结果显示,影响心理健康的危险因素是驾龄长（OR = 1.250）、受到乘客困扰多（OR = 1.064）、情绪性应对频率高（OR = 1.397）;每周1～2次和每周≥3次锻炼（OR = 0.684,0.508）相较从不或偶尔锻炼是心理健康的保护因素。结论 成都市公交驾驶员一般心理健康状况较差,相关部门应该从减轻工作困扰,提高应对能力和养成健康的生活方式等方面采取针对性措施。     

陕西某大学新生2002-2016年心理健康普查结果分析

了解大学生心理健康状况变化,为有针对性地开展心理健康教育提供参考.方法 使用大学生人格问卷(University personality Inventory,UPI)对陕西某大学2002-2016年新生心理健康的普查结果进行回溯性分析.结果 15年间共有57 450名新生参加了普查,可能存在严重心理问题学生(I类学生)平均筛出率为12.29%,年度间差异有统计学意义(x2 =588.017,P<0.01);2010-2016年经面谈后确定有严重心理问题学生占I类学生的比例平均为2.97%,且年度间差异有统计学意义(x2=25.709,P<0.01).在I类学生答题方面,2012-2016年有7个题目每年均进入答题选择率前10位;“常常失眠”“感到自己的过去和家庭是不幸的”2个关键题目的选择率在5年间差异有统计学意义(x2值分别为14.389,16.690,P值均<0.01);“曾经接受过心理咨询吗”“如果有健康或心理方面的问题想要咨询吗”2个附加题目的选择率5年间差异有统计学意义(x2值分别为13.175,28.480,P值均<0.05).结论 多数大学新生的心理是基本健康的,但可能有心理健康问题的学生人数比例呈波浪式逐年上升趋势.大学新生的心理问题类型多年来相对稳定,可以据此开展针对性教育.     

Respiratory symptoms and lung function in bus drivers and mechanics

Acute and chronic respiratory symptoms as well as ventilatory capacity were studied in 116 bus drivers and 119 mechanics. Bus drivers and mechanics demonstrated a significantly higher prevalence of most chronic respiratory symptoms when compared to control workers. In particular, lower airway symptoms of chest tightness and dyspnea and upper airway symptoms of nasal catarrh were significantly more prevalent among drivers and mechanics than among controls. Bus drivers and mechanics who were smokers had significantly higher prevalences of respiratory symptoms than nonsmoking bus drivers. Bus drivers and mechanics employed for more than 10 years also exhibited higher frequencies of respiratory symptoms than those exposed for 10 years or less. Many of the workers complained of acute symptoms during the work shift. The ventilatory capacity data demonstrated lower values for all parameters, particularly FEF₂₅, compared to control worker values as well as to predicted normal values, for bus drivers and mechanics who were smokers. Our data indicate that long-term employment in the transport industry of bus drivers and mechanics, particularly in combination with smoking, may be associated with the development of chronic respiratory symptoms and lung function impairment.     

健康教育对肥胖儿童认知、饮食结构及生活方式的影响

【目的】 探索单次和多次健康教育对肥胖儿童认知,饮食结构、生活方式及体重控制的影响,为儿童肥胖干预的实施提供有效措施。 【方法】 按照《中国0~18岁儿童青少年体块指数的生长曲线》超重和肥胖诊断标准筛查学龄儿童,对肥胖儿童发放调查问卷,评估肥胖认知、饮食结构及生活方式并分组给予单次或多次健康教育。健康教育的内容包括肥胖的判断和危害,科学的饮食结构、生活方式和心理支持等。6个月后再次进行评估。 【结果】 共有107名年龄6~13岁的肥胖儿童(男69人,女38人)纳入研究。资料完整90名,其中单次教育组44人,多次教育组46人。1)健康教育后两组儿童和家长对肥胖的认知水平均提高,但多次教育组儿童和家长认知水平显著高于单次教育组(P<0.01);2)干预后,多次教育组总能量及蛋白质、脂肪、碳水化合物摄入量及能量密度均降低(P<0.01),蔬菜份量增加(P<0.05),动物性食物及甜点、薯片的进食份额明显减少(P<0.01);单次教育组脂肪摄入减少(P<0.01),但总能量、食物份额量无明显改变;3)多次教育组在洋快餐、零食、看电视吃零食频率及看电视时间明显减少(P<0.01),但每日运动时间无明显变化;单次教育组生活方式无显著改变(P>0.05);4)干预后单次教育组BMI-SDS(body mass index-standard deviation score )无明显改变,多次教育组BMI-SDS降低(P<0.05)。 【结论】 对肥胖儿童和家长进行健康教育,尤其是多次教育有助于提高肥胖儿童和家长认知能力,降低儿童总能量摄入,改变饮食结构和生活方式,进而降低BMI。     

Cardiovascular disease risk factors among children of different socioeconomic status in Istanbul,Turkey: Directions for public health and nutrition policy

Objectives

The aim of the current study was to examine the influence of socioeconomic status (SES) on physiological (lipid profile, obesity indices) and behavioral (dietary habits, physical activity) cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors among primary schoolchildren in Istanbul.

Design

Cross sectional study.

Setting

One private school and two public schools from different SES districts in Istanbul.

Participants

510 randomly selected children aged 12 and 13 years old (257 boys, 253 girls).

Results

The prevalence of overweight (15.2%) and the energy intake (p < 0.001 and p < 0.05 for boys and girls respectively) were found to be higher for the middle/ high SES group for both genders. Regarding biochemical indices, middle/ high SES children had higher values of High Density Lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) (p < 0.001 and p < 0.05 for boys and girls respectively) and lower values of TC/HDL-C ratio and LDL-C/HDL-C ratio (p < 0.05 and p < 0.001 for boys and girls respectively). This could be attributed to the higher physical activity levels observed for middle/ high SES children (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

The findings of the current study revealed a coexistence of both overweight and higher energy intake in middle/ high SES children, as well as a coexistence of underweight and lower physical activity levels in low SES children. These observations should guide the public health policy in developing appropriate intervention strategies to efficiently tackle these health and social issues early in life.

     

Obesity is more strongly associated with inappropriate eating behaviors than with mental health in older adults receiving congregate meals

This study explored the relationships of inappropriate eating behaviors and mental health with obesity in congregate meal participants in Georgia (N?=?120, mean age?=?75 years, 75% female, 43% African American). Inappropriate eating behaviors were evaluated with the Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire (18 questions); mental health was assessed with the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (21 questions); history of depression was assessed with the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey; and height and weight were measured to calculate body mass index (BMI) and obesity (52%?≥?30?kg/m(2)). In bivariate analyses, obesity was associated with cognitive restraint (rho?=?0.49, p?相似文献   

A longitudinal study of the relationship between lifestyle and mental health among midlife and older women in Australia: findings from the Healthy Aging of Women Study

We investigated the temporal relationship between lifestyle and mental health among 564 midlife women. The mental health measured included anxiety, depression, and mental well-being; the lifestyle measures included body mass index (BMI), exercise, smoking, alcohol use, and caffeine consumption. We found that BMI was positively related with mental well-being (r = .316, p = .009); smokers had lower mental well-being than nonsmokers (β = 6.725, p = .006), and noncaffeine drinkers had higher mental well-being (β = 5, p = .023). Past alcohol-drinkers had less anxiety than nondrinkers (β = 1.135, p = .04). Therefore, lifestyle is predictive of mental health among midlife and older women.     

Association between mental health conditions and rehospitalization,mortality, and functional outcomes in patients with stroke following inpatient rehabilitation

Background

Limited evidence exists regarding the association of pre-existing mental health conditions in patients with stroke and stroke outcomes such as rehospitalization, mortality, and function. We examined the association between mental health conditions and rehospitalization, mortality, and functional outcomes in patients with stroke following inpatient rehabilitation.

Methods

Our observational study used the 2001 VA Integrated Stroke Outcomes database of 2162 patients with stroke who underwent rehabilitation at a Veterans Affairs Medical Center.Separate models were fit to our outcome measures that included 6-month rehospitalization or death, 6-month mortality post-discharge, and functional outcomes post inpatient rehabilitation as a function of number and type of mental health conditions. The models controlled for patient socio-demographics, length of stay, functional status, and rehabilitation setting.

Results

Patients had an average age of 68 years. Patients with stroke and two or more mental health conditions were more likely to be readmitted or die compared to patients with no conditions (OR: 1.44, p = 0.04). Depression and anxiety were associated with a greater likelihood of rehospitalization or death (OR: 1.33, p = 0.04; OR:1.47, p = 0.03). Patients with anxiety were more likely to die at six months (OR: 2.49, p = 0.001).

Conclusions

Patients with stroke with pre-existing mental health conditions may need additional psychotherapy interventions, which may potentially improve stroke outcomes post-hospitalization.

     

健康教育融入高校体育课程内容体系与实践路径

健康教育融入高校体育课程教育是实现学校健康教育目标的重要载体，是提升大学生健康素养的必然要求; 探索构建健康知识与运动技能、心理健康与体育精神、运动健康与生理学基础、安全教育与疾病预防相融合的教学内容体系; 在此基础上将健康教育融入体育课程教材、课程设计、课堂教学和课内外一体化考核机制，形成多方位、多层级、多角度的优化实施路径，旨在探究健康教育与体育教育融合育人的契合点，从而落实立德树人，更好培养学生的健康意识和健康生活方式，为其一生健康奠定坚实基础。     

Receipt of school health education and school health service among adolescent immigrants in Massachusetts

This study assessed whether immigrant adolescents receive health education and services in schools at levels comparable to native-born peers. Surveys from 2,635 8th and 10th graders allowed comparisons between students living in the United States "always" (n = 2,080), "more than six years" (n = 299), and "six years or less" (n = 191). Immigrant students were equally likely to receive health education, more likely to use peer counseling or support groups (p < .001), and less likely to use health services (p < .05). They communicated more often with staff (p < .05), were more concerned about mental health issues (p < .01), and were likely to have these topics addressed in school (p < .05). They were more positive about health education (p < .05), learned something new (p < .01), and communicated with parents when offered (p < .001). Schools provide a critical gateway and opportunity for reaching immigrant students and families with programs designed to meet their unique health and mental health needs. Questions remain, however, about health education and services being provided to non-mainstreamed, Limited English Proficient students who recently immigrated. Implications for program and service delivery and future research are discussed.     

Beijing health promoting universities: practice and evaluation

The aims of this study were to create a health promoting university within the framework of the Ottawa Charter for Health Promotion. Strategies included reforming and issuing healthy policies, creating a healthy physical and social environment, developing personal health skills, reorienting the health services, and implementing intervention activities. To evaluate the study, 180 students and 120 teaching/administrative staff were sampled for an in-depth interview with open-ended questions administered 1 year after the launch of the project. To assess health knowledge and behavior, 2500 students were sampled to answer a questionnaire, both prior to and following project implementation. With respect to policies, environment and health services, 166 students and 117 teaching and administrative staff participated in the in-depth interview. Approximately three-quarters (75.90%) of university students considered that the physical environment of the campus had improved significantly and 83.73% reported they had a good social environment. All university administration departments made commitments to health promotion. Consultations on mental health, smoking cessation and STD/AIDS prevention were provided all year round. Health education was included in a curriculum as a selective course with 1-2 credits. Almost two-thirds (60.66%) of teaching/administrative staff reported that they had had a yearly physical examination. In the final stages of the research, significantly more college students reported improved mental health (38.25% compared with 17.93% at baseline) (p < 0.01) and more were knowledgeable about transmission of STDs/AIDS (57.00/35.50% compared with 51.66/28.20% at baseline, respectively) (p < 0.01). Significantly less regular smokers were found (45% compared with 15.81% at baseline) (p < 0.01). However, there was a significant increase in high-fat food intake (44.81% compared with 49.50%) (p < 0.01) and pre-marital sex (5.11% compared with 14.00%), and a significant decrease in physical exercise participation (29.41% compared with 23.50%) (p < 0.01). As a health promotion setting, the university community can benefit greatly from implementing health promotion campaigns based on the principles of the Ottawa Charter.     

The associations between lifestyles and mental health using the General Health Questionnaire 12-items are different dependently on age and sex: a population-based cross-sectional study in Kanazawa,Japan

Objectives

The aim of this study was to examine potential differences of the associations between mental health and lifestyle factors across a wide range of age.

Methods

In August/September 2011, data were collected from 4693 males (age 51.6 ± 19.5) and 5678 females (age 52.4 ± 19.4) living in Kanazawa, Japan. A cross-sectional community-based survey was conducted with self-administered questionnaire including the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ) 12-item version, sociodemographic, and lifestyle factors. Associations between the GHQ scores and other variables were examined using two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by multiple comparisons and logistic regression stratified by age and gender.

Results

Multiple comparisons indicated that people aged 20–39 or 40–64 had higher GHQ scores than older aged. The two-way ANOVA revealed significant interaction between body mass index and age group, and between exercise and age group. Overweight or underweight males aged 40–64 had poorer mental health than those at normal weight. In the elderly, being underweight was significantly associated with poor mental health. There were no significant effects of exercise on mental health for young adults. The logistic regression showed significant negative effects of short-time sleep in adults.

Conclusions

The associations between mental health and lifestyles differ across age groups. Further study is needed to reveal effects of aging on lifestyle and mental health with a longitudinal design.

     

Relationship between psychosocial job satisfaction and health in white collar workers

OBJECTIVE: To identify whether psychosocial satisfaction at work is associated with workers' health and to verify if sociodemographic characteristics have an impact on these associations. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out in 224 employees of a private managed care and retirement savings company in S?o Paulo, Brazil. Four self-administered questionnaires on sociodemographic features, job satisfaction, and health (physical, mental, and work ability) were applied. Variables associations were analyzed using t-Student, Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests, Spearman correlation coefficient, and multiple linear regression analysis. RESULTS: Job satisfaction was associated with duration in the company (p <0.001) and job position (p=0.003), where greater satisfaction was observed among workers with shorter duration in the company and those in managing positions. Job satisfaction was associated with mental health and work ability (vitality: p<0.001; social aspects: p=0.055; emotional aspect: p=0.074; mental health: p<0.001; and work capacity: p=0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Job satisfaction is associated with workers' health regarding their "mental health" and "work ability", showing the importance of psychosocial factors for their health and well-being. Changes are suggested in work conception and organization to focus psychosocial factors. Longitudinal studies are recommended to investigate the causal direction of these associations.     

Fruit and vegetables consumption in relation to health and diet of medical students in Crete, Greece

In Greece, prevalence of cardiovascular disease has been increasing during the last few decades. From a public health point of view, it is important to identify lifestyle practices associated with cardiovascular disease risk factors. As part of the Clinical Nutrition course at the University of Crete School of Medicine, 507 medical students (292 men, 215 women) were examined during the period 1995-2001. Individual 24-hour dietary recalls were taken, lifestyle questionnaires were completed, and anthropometric and serum lipid measurements were performed. Fruits and vegetables were consumed by 90% of men (370 +/- 275 g/day) and 94% of women (354 +/- 283 g/day). Among non/ex-smokers who ate fruit and vegetables, 41% consumed > or = 400 g/day, compared to 31% of current smokers (p = 0.05). The risk for high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) < 35 mg/dL, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) > 130 mg/dL, and total cholesterol/HDL-C ratio (TC:HDL-C) > or = 5 decreased with increasing quartile of fruit and vegetables consumption (trend p < 0.01). Fruit and vegetable intake was favorably related to intake of dietary fiber, calcium, magnesium, potassium, folate, and vitamins C, E, A, B1 and B6, and inversely related to saturated and trans fatty acids and cholesterol. Prospective studies should be performed within the general young adult population to assess the long-term effects of fruit and vegetable consumption on chronic disease risk development.     

Mental and physical effects of Tanshin funin, posting without family, on married male workers in Japan

This paper investigates the effects of tanshin funin, a posting without family, on the health of married male workers. A prospective study using the pair-matched method was performed. One hundred and twenty-nine married male tanshin funin workers in their 40s and 50s and as many matched workers living with their family (regular workers) participated. Fewer tanshin funin workers took breakfast everyday (OR=3.3, p<0.001). Tanshin funin workers more frequently suffered from stress due to daily chores (OR=3.6, p<0.001) and from stress-related health problems, namely headache (OR=4.7, p=0.013) and gastric/duodenal ulcers (OR=8.7, p<0.001). They also developed more frequently common cold/bronchitis (OR=14.5, p<0.001). The levels of gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase for workers reluctant to work under tanshin funin and workers who spent less than two years in tanshin funin increased significantly from the fiscal year 1997 to year 2001 (46.7 to 67.5 IU/l, p<0.001, and 36.9 to 72.4 IU/l, p=0.005, respectively), although those of their matched regular workers did not show significant changes. The daily alcohol intake of reluctant tanshin funin workers (the equivalent of approximately 817 ml of beer) was higher than that of the matched regular workers (582 ml, p=0.026). In summary, abrupt changes in lifestyle and elevated mental stress were thus important effects of tanshin funin. Tanshin funin workers should be provided with health and lifestyle education programs and mental health care before and during tanshin funin. Doctors and nurses in the healthcare departments of companies should play a leading role.     

Dietary fiber and lifestyle influence serum lipids in free living adult men.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of dietary fiber consumption and lifestyle on serum lipids in adult men with non-restricted diet and physical activity. METHODS: Two groups of 19 men were classified as high (48 g/day) and low fiber groups (27 g/day). Anthropometry, food frequency, daily weighed intakes and physical activity were done for a seven-day period. Fasting blood was collected and serum was analyzed for triglycerides, total cholesterol and lipoprotein cholesterol fractions. RESULTS: Crude correlation coefficients showed that total cholesterol was negatively associated with physical activity, total dietary fiber and P/S ratio (r = 0.52; p < 0.001. r = -0.44; p < 0.01, r = 0.51, p < 0.001). LDL-C was also correlated negatively with total dietary fiber and P/S ratio (r = -0.34, p < 0.03; r = -0.53, p < 0.01). It was also positively associated with dietary cholesterol and body weight (r = 0.34, p < 0.03; r = 0.31, p < 0.05). Serum triglycerides had an inverse association with total dietary fiber and physical activity (r = -0.30: p < 0.05; r = -0.45, p < 0.004). After controlling for energy intake, total fat, saturated fat, dietary cholesterol, physical activity and body mass index, LDL-C/HDL-C, and TC/HDL-C, remained significantly associated with dietary fiber (r = 0.34; p < 0.05 and r = -0.38; p < 0.02, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: This study provides evidence in free living men that there is an association between dietary fiber intake and favorable lipid status and that lifestyle defined by socioeconomic status, physical activity and the quality of the dietary fat intake can play an important role. Public health nutrition advice and policy should continue to emphasize the importance of these factors.     

Ethnic differences in public health awareness,health perceptions and physical exercise: Implications for heart disease prevention

Objectves: To study whether the wide differences in heart disease incidence amongst ethnic groups in the UK, with the higher mortality and morbidity in peoples of south Asian descent, may be attributed to differences in public health awareness and life‐style.

Design: Questionnaire‐based survey of women from different ethnic groups attending an antenatal clinic in a city centre district general hospital.

Results: We surveyed 232 housewives from 3 different ethnic groups: 84 white (mean age 24.3 years ± standard deviation (SD) 5.84), 76 Afro‐Caribbean (mean age 24.7 years ± SD 4.46) and 72 Asians (defined as people of south Asian or Indian subcontinent descent; mean age 25.7 years ± SD 5.5). The proportions of smokers amongst the whites, blacks and Asians were 38.1%, 27.6% and 2.8% respectively. Proportions consuming alcohol regularly were 31.0%, 10.5% and 4.2% respectively. A higher proportion of blacks reported a change in dietary fibre intake, whilst a higher proportion of whites reported a change in dietary fat intake and sugar intake as a result of public health campaigns, publicity or advertising. There was a significantly lower proportion of reported regular exercise activity amongst the Asian women and their husbands or partners.

Conclusion: This study demonstrates that Asian families were the least likely to take regular exercise, and had a lower awareness of cholesterol or dietary content (fibre, sugar, salt) despite public health campaigns and publicity. They were however the least likely to smoke cigarettes. These ethnic differences may in part explain the higher prevalence of coronary heart disease amongst the Asian population in the UK. This ethnic group should be targeted for intense public health intervention, education and other preventative measures to reduce the risks of heart disease.