Results from a lifestyle survey: Trent health

The objective of this work was to examine the efficiency of a postal survey in generating data relevant to Trent Regional Health Authority's need for baseline measures as indicators for health promotion, as specified in its strategy for health promotion. A representative sample, by District, was identified using Family Health Service Authority registers as the sampling frame, stratified by age (16-70 years) and gender. Data were collected from the resulting sample of 21,603 using a self-completion illustrated questionnaire. Delivery was postal with two reminders. Prepaid envelopes were supplied for returns. Questions about lifestyle, e.g. behaviour, attitudes and beliefs about smoking. The survey took place in each of the 12 Districts of Trent Region, the total population of which is over 4.5 million. The main outcome measures were behaviour, attitudes and beliefs about health by age and gender and by social class. The response was 61% after exclusions. Young males were under-represented in response. Sixty four per cent of respondents were non-smokers, 14% took optimal exercise on a monthly basis and 15% never drank alcohol. In the week prior to the study males were more likely to have drunk more than the recommended units of alcohol (24%) than women (9%). Over two-thirds of respondents (72%) had three key elements of social support. The postal survey generated data directly relevant to indicators embedded within Trent Health's health promotion strategy. Across the Region it was possible to examine patterns of response by age, gender and by social class. Data were adequate as baseline measures and repeat studies will monitor change. However, data are biased with sub-groups under-represented. In addition, non-responders are known to be different from responders. Data are therefore limited, but can be used to describe general patterns amongst responders. Other methods of data collection are required for the collection of more sensitive and/or qualitative data.