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NEWS RELEASE (CNS663) -->> HEALTH--NOVA SCOTIA HEALTH
SURVEY 1995
HEALTH--NOVA SCOTIA HEALTH SURVEY 1995
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The health status of adult Nova Scotians became clearer today
when the Health Minister Bernie Boudreau released the results of
the Nova Scotia Health Survey 1995.
"This is the very first time the department has taken such an
initiative to determine the health status of adult Nova
Scotians," said Mr. Boudreau. "It is essential to have this
timely and appropriate information so we can make informed
decisions. The extensive data collected will guide future health
directions and policy development."
The survey's findings are timely as health renewal advances in
Nova Scotia. The information collected will be shared with
regional health boards, non-government health organizations,
academia and community groups. It will provide baseline data to
help us all identify the health issues which need to be
addressed.
The 1995 survey was designed as a 10-year follow-up to the 1986
Nova Scotia Heart Health Survey which focused solely on risk
factors for heart disease. Heart Health Nova Scotia was
instrumental in introducing the 1995 survey. Additional questions
were included in this survey to expand the focus from heart
disease to other important health measures such as chronic
illness and the use of screening programs.
The Nova Scotia Health Survey 1995 results include:
- 92 per cent of Nova Scotians report being very or somewhat
satisfied with their health;
- Comparison data on heart disease risk factors from 1986;
- 39 per cent are physically inactive and women are more likely
than men to be inactive;
- Flu immunization coverage is very good for people over 65, but
only 25 per cent of adults under 65 who are at high risk were
immunized during the 1994/95 flu season;
- 44 per cent of Nova Scotians are overweight or obese which
increases their risk for heart disease and other health
problems;
- The prevalence of high blood pressure and the mean population
total cholesterol has declined since 1986;
- 17 per cent of Nova Scotians have activity limitations due to
poor health, about one-third of which is the result of injury
or accident;
- One-quarter of Nova Scotians have high blood pressure but for
many it is uncontrolled.
The scientific review panel for the Nova Scotia Health Survey
1995 noted that "the methods were scientifically sound and they
were implemented effectively. The findings are of great value and
importance to the province, the country and the scientific
community."
Public Health nurses conducted the health survey from March
through November 1995 with more than 3,000 adults (men and women
aged 18 and over) in Nova Scotia.
The Nova Scotia Health Survey 1995 was funded by the National
Health Research and Development Program of Health Canada, the
Nova Scotia Department of Health, Heart Health Nova Scotia and
the Heart and Stroke Foundation.
The Department of Health collaborated with Heart Health Nova
Scotia and support was provided from the World Health
Organization MONICA project, the Department of Community Health
and Epidemiology and the Population Health Research Unit of
Dalhousie Medical School and the Department of Psychology at
Dalhousie University to coordinate the survey design,
implementation, data analysis, and report preparation.
Copies of the Nova Scotia Health Survey 1995 report and the Nova
Scotia Health Survey 1995 highlights can be obtained from the
Government Bookstore at 902-424-7580 or 1-800-526-6575.
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NOTE TO EDITORS: Backgrounder and summary available by calling
1-800-670-4357 or 1-902-424-4492.
Contact: Alan Jeffers 902-424-5025
Sue McKeage 902-424-3581
trp Oct. 15, 1996 - 3:40 p.m.
