| Author | N Azzopardi Muscat |
| Abstract | Purpose: To investigate health behaviour in the Maltese population Methods: A national health interview survey was carried out in Spring 2002 on a randomly selected sample of residents in Malta aged 16 and over. Out of 5510 sampled individual, 4268 responses were collected giving a response rate of 77.5%. A selection of questions on health behaviour were analysed separately for men and women. Logistic regression models were used and outcomes were transformed into binary variables. Smoking, alcohol consumption, physical activity, dietary habits and BMI were analysed according to education and occupation after adjusting for age, employment and marital status. Results: Overall, men and young adults exhibited the least healthy behaviour. Obesity was the most serious problem with less than 40% of the population having a normal body mass index. Daily cigarette smoking was reported by 30% of men and 18% of women. Cigarette smoking, a high body mass index, unhealthy food habits and lack of leisure time physical activity were significantly associated with low educational status and occupational group. Conversely, alcohol consumption, success in stopping smoking, changing dietary habits and good perceived health were significantly associated with high educational status and occupational group. Recommendations: A comprehensive health promotion strategy to reduce obesity, encourage healthy eating and physical activity and to reduce smoking is recommended. Particular attention should be paid towards obtaining results in the vulnerable groups. Activities proposed include legislation, educational campaigns and supportive health services. Participation and ownership by stakeholders, appropriate resources, monitoring and accountability are deemed essential for the strategys success. |
Published in: | |
| Journal | Malta Medical Journal |
| Volume | 15 Issue 1-2/suppl. 2003 |
| Pages | - |
| Date | |
| Link to journal | |
| Key words | health behaviour, smoking, alcohol, physical activity, dietary habits, body mass index, obesity |