7 days ago
Brighton and Hove health survey 'not an easy read', director says
Brighton and Hove's largest ever health survey is "not an easy read" as it shows "inequalities affecting our communities", the council's director of public health Counts – conducted by Brighton & Hove City Council's public health team and the University of Brighton – is carried out once every survey showed that 56% of adults living in the most deprived areas of the city were in good or better health - compared to 76% in the least deprived Vass, the council's director of public health, said: "The findings are not an easy read, [they are] covering sensitive areas and evidencing health inequalities affecting our communities - while recognising their strengths and resilience."
The survey found:25% of those living in the most deprived areas smoked, compared to 9% of those living in the least deprived areas37% of those in the most deprived areas drank alcohol at increasing, higher risk or possible dependence level (combined) rates compared to 48% living in the least deprived areas65% of those living in the most deprived areas of the city did less than 30 minutes of sport and fitness activity in the last week, compared to 48% living in the least deprived areas69% of people thought they were in good, very good or excellent health, but 24% recorded a low happiness score20% had taken drugs not prescribed to them and not available at a chemist or pharmacy in the last 12 months19% of those who gambled experienced at least one gambling-related harm37% were a healthy weight, 36% were overweight and 25% were obese
The survey, which was carried out between March and April 2024, received responses from more than 16,500 people - representing 7.2% of the city's population aged 18 or answered questions on topics including general health, emotional wellbeing and alcohol and drug the first time, the 2024 survey also included questions on gambling-related harm, suicidal thoughts, harassment and hate results will inform the city's Joint Strategic Needs Assessment and strategies to improve health and reduce inequalities.
