Behavioural risk factors among young adults in small areas with high mortality versus those in low-mortality areas.
A community-based cross-sectional survey of behavioural risk factors for premature mortality was carried out on a group of 354 adults aged 25-44 from previously identified high-mortality 'black-spots' in Dublin who were compared with 333 others from low-mortality areas. In the black-spot areas, 50.9% of respondents were current smokers versus 28.5% in low-mortality areas and 14.6% took 'sufficient' exercise versus 31.4% in low-mortality areas. People living in black spots were also less likely to make 'healthy' dietary choices than those in low-mortality areas. There is a higher prevalence of behavioural risk factors for premature mortality among young adults living in electoral wards/district electoral divisions (DEDs) with high standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) from all causes than among those in areas with low SMRs. A health promotion programme aimed at increasing exercise levels, reducing smoking and encouraging healthy eating should be aimed at young adults in DEDs with high SMRs.
Johnson
Z
Z
Eastern Health Board, Dr Steevens Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.
Jennings
S
S
Fogarty
J
J
Johnson
H
H
Lyons
R
R
Doorley
P
P
Hynes
M
M
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000428:Alcohol Drinking / Q000453:epidemiology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D006293:Health Promotion; D006801:Humans; D007494:Ireland; D008297:Male; D009026:Mortality; D012307:Risk Factors; D012309:Risk-Taking; D012907:Smoking / Q000453:epidemiology; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires