Key health promotion factors among male members of staff at a higher educational institution: A cross-sectional postal survey
2008

Health Behaviors of Male Staff in Higher Education

Sample size: 501 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Vasianovich Alena, van Teijlingen Edwin R, Reid Garth, Scott Neil W

Primary Institution: University of Aberdeen

Hypothesis

This study aims to explore associations between health-related behavior such as smoking, alcohol use, and physical activity among male staff in Higher Education.

Conclusion

There are areas of health-related behavior that should be addressed in this population, indicating a need for targeted public health interventions.

Supporting Evidence

  • Less than 10% of respondents currently smoked.
  • Approximately 90% of men consumed alcohol, with 37% exceeding recommended limits.
  • 80% of men reported being physically active, but less than 40% met government guidelines.

Takeaway

Most men in this study want to be healthier, but many still smoke and drink too much alcohol.

Methodology

A cross-sectional survey using a postal self-completed questionnaire was conducted among male staff at a Scottish Higher Education institution.

Potential Biases

The study may be biased due to self-reported data and the low response rate.

Limitations

The study's cross-sectional nature and low response rate limit the generalizability of the findings.

Participant Demographics

{"age":{"mean":44.9,"range":"19-68"},"marital_status":{"married_or_living_with_partner":77,"single":19,"separated_or_divorced":4},"ethnicity":{"white":94,"other":6},"education":{"university_degree":78},"job_type":{"full_time":89,"non_manual":60}}

Statistical Information

P-Value

<0.05

Confidence Interval

95% CI

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1471-2458-8-58

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