Middle-Classes Under Threat From Glasgow’s Poor Health

Major health problems including binge drinking and bad eating habits are more common in the west of Scotland – even among the middle classes.

Research published today reveals aspects of wellbeing and lifestyle worse in the Glasgow area that cannot be explained by its higher levels of poverty.

Residents across class boundaries in the region are more likely to suffer poor mental health and short-term illness than counterparts in the rest of the country.

The study, commissioned by the Glasgow Centre for Population Health, is based on interviews with 25,000 people for the official Scottish Health Survey.

Professor Carol Tannahill, director of the centre, said: “This study highlights some issues where even if Glasgow did have the same socio-economic profile as other parts of Scotland it would still have different health problems.

“The things that stand out for me are the poorer mental health women in Glasgow in particular seem to be experiencing and the problem we have in this part of the country with alcohol.”

The report shows significantly higher levels of binge drinking among more affluent men in Greater Glasgow. In the top social class 43% of Greater Glasgow men had drinking sessions compared to 30% in the rest of Scotland. The most deprived groups in Glasgow were also more likely to binge.

The report says such findings are clearly linked to the region’s high death rate from liver disease and adds that the issue “should be seen as a matter of urgency by those charged with improving public health.”

It continues: “The high levels of psychological distress among men and women in the area also raises concern.”

Residents were 60% more likely to have a high score for psychological distress than those living in the rest of Scotland, according to the report. When the figures were adjusted to account for Greater Glasgow’s level of poverty, the chances of distress were still 35% higher.

Dr Linda de Caestecker, director of public health at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, said: “The findings emphasise the importance of the work that NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde undertakes with its partners to address the inequality gap through sustainable employment to lift people out of poverty.

“The research also encourages our efforts to address the challenges of excess alcohol consumption and poor diet for the whole population.”