Findings Series 7 - Health-related behaviours and measures

This briefing paper summarises the findings of a comprehensive review of the comparisons of adult risk factors, morbidity and mortality in the Glasgow/West of Scotland area compared with elsewhere in Scotland.

Within Scotland, Glasgow has poorer health and shorter life expectancy than other areas. Attempts to explain Glasgow’s poor health record have pointed to evidence of elevated rates of negative health behaviours such as alcohol consumption, smoking levels and a poorer diet compared with elsewhere in Scotland. This briefing paper summarises the findings of a comprehensive review of the comparisons of adult risk factors, morbidity and mortality in the Glasgow/West of Scotland area compared with elsewhere in Scotland.

The health-related factors considered by the review include alcohol intake, current cigarette smoking, diet, physical activity and obesity. The health measures examined include cardiovascular disease, diabetes and several self-reported health measures including general health, long standing illness and psychological ill health. The paper outlines the approach adopted, sources of information obtained, and statistical methods used in the data analyses. The paper presents the study findings alongside several illustrative figures and concludes by highlighting a number of research recommendations and population groups of concern where future interventions should be targeted.