Survey of NHS Staff Health‐related Behaviours

Abstract

Reports a postal survey of NHS staff in six Districts in the North Western Region. There were 3,525 replies, from staff in five main occupational groups, with clear social gradients in respect of health status, smoking and exercise, but a more complex picture in respect of diet, stress and uptake of preventative services. There were no significant differences in respect of alchohol consumption. Previous research showed social class differences in mortality of NHS staff; this study documents aspects of lifestyle consistent with that. Although the importance of socio‐economic circumstances and social support should not be disregarded, the survey results emphasize the need for NHS managers to reduce the inequality in health experienced by NHS staff, working with ancillary staff as a priority.