TWO OUT of five people in Galway city binge drink once a week or more, with some drinking to excess up to four times a week, a new health and wellbeing survey has revealed.
The survey, which was undertaken by the Health Promotion Research Centre at NUI Galway, highlights the fact that binge drinking is more common among both the unemployed and men.
This most comprehensive survey on health and wellbeing ever carried out in Galway involved 587 participants and was done as part of the Galway Healthy Cities Project which is being led by the Health Promotion Services, HSE West.
Some 17 per cent of those interviewed reported binge drinking (ie consuming six or more alcoholic drinks on one occasion) two to four times a week while 38 per cent reported binge drinking once a week or more.
Galway Healthy Cities co-ordinator Fiona Donovan pointed out that tackling excessive alcohol consumption should not be done in isolation and a whole population approach was necessary.
She suggested that the promotion of alternative forms of entertainment to alcohol, such as physical activity, may provide an effective way to decrease alcohol consumption within the Galway city population.
“In the current climate, with limited resources, it is hoped that this information will aid decision-makers on where to target these resources,” she said.
“The findings also highlight that everyone has a role to play in improving the health and wellbeing of people living in Galway city.”
The top three issues that would make Galway a better place to live were identified as:reduced traffic, increased safety and increased facilities.
The majority of Galway city residents (81 per cent) rated their general health as either excellent, very good or good but more than half (58 per cent) are not satisfied with their level of physical activity. Only one in 10 (9 per cent) eat the recommended five or more daily portions of fruit and vegetables. Almost three-quarters (73 per cent) of smokers interviewed are trying, planning or thinking about quitting smoking.
The survey identifies the need for exercise groups for women, cooking courses, the promotion of cycling and walking to work to integrate physical activity into daily life, and help for unemployed people to quit smoking, as they were identified as the main group wanting to stop.
To try to ensure that the survey information is used and acted upon, the data has been presented in easy-to-read one-page factsheets per topic.
These factsheets will be sent to various agencies and groups in the city over the coming weeks.
The Galway City Health and Wellbeing factsheets can be accessed on www.galwayhealthycities.ie or for a hard copy contact Rosemary on 091 548437
