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11 December 2020
Go to release: Irish Health Survey 2019 - Main Results
The Central Statistics Office (CSO) has today (11 December 2020) published the results of the Irish Health Survey 2019 Main Results.
Commenting on the publication, Keith McSweeney Senior Statistician, said:
‘The publication today is based on self-reported data from persons aged 15 years and over, and outlines their view of their health status – from how well they are feeling, to their engagement with the Irish health system, to the personal choices we all make around important health determinants like smoking, alcohol consumption and exercise. Today’s publication is the second in a series of health publications based on the Irish Health Survey. December 07 saw the publication of “Irish Health Survey – Carers and Social Supports”, while on 14 December the CSO will publish “Irish Health Survey – Persons with Disabilities”. The data collection for this publication occurred from July 2019 to February 2020 and so relates to the pre-pandemic health and other experiences of respondents.
While a quarter of persons aged 15 years and over report having a long-lasting health condition, more than 80% of people report no limitation in everyday activities due to a health problem. Females are generally more likely to use a preventive health service than men, with 82% of females visiting a GP in the previous 12 months compared to 68% of men.
This publication also highlights the poorer health status of the unemployed compared to those in employment, as reported by people themselves. In particular, unemployed persons report higher levels of mental ill-health – more than a fifth of unemployed persons report some form of depression compared to less than a tenth of those in employment.
Younger people are more likely to ‘binge’ drink than older persons. Almost half of the age group 15-24-year olds drink six or more units of alcohol in the one sitting at least once a month, compared to a quarter of persons aged 55-64 years.
More than half of persons aged 15 years and over report they are overweight or obese, with more men than women reporting they are overweight or obese. Generally, more older persons than younger persons report they are overweight or obese.’
The CSO thanks the respondents to this survey, without whom this publication would not be possible.
The Irish Health Survey 2019 – Main Results published today achieved a sample size of circa 7,600 individuals. Due to public health guidelines regarding COVID-19, our interviewers no longer conduct CSO household surveys in the sampled households' own homes. Sample households now receive introductory letters by post asking them to ring the CSO to schedule an interview which is conducted over the phone. These surveys give us a picture of the economic and social situation of the citizens of Ireland, with a level of accuracy no one else can gain. If you are asked to take part in a CSO survey, please do so. It means that when CSO figures are quoted you know they’re accurate, Because you told us.
Keith McSweeney (+353) 21 453 5423 or Caroline Barrett (+353) 21 453 5485
or email Health@cso.ie
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