Households stress levels soar since 2001 surveys – with almost 30 per cent of primary carers having no access to medical cards or health cover

Households stress levels soar since 2001 surveys – with almost 30 per cent of primary carers having no access to medical cards or health cover

By Mary Dennehy

A MAJOR new study of more than 1,050 people across Tallaght has revealed that households are experiencing higher stress levels, with 29 per cent of primary household carers – those paying the bills – living without access to a medical card or private health insurance.

The pioneering study follows a similar study carried out in Tallaght in 2001 and is the only one of its kind in Ireland to provide a comprehensive examin-ation of the changing health, wellbeing profile and needs of a local population – alongside the ‘asset mapping’ of available services in the areas of healthcare, education, community and sports.

Some 1,082 people were surveyed in the study, which included 350 households in communities across Belgard, Glenview, Kilnamanagh, Kingswood, Millbrook, Old Bawn, Springfield, Avonbeg, Fettercairn, Jobstown, Killinarden, Kiltipper and Tymon.

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A number of significant findings have emerged which can now be used by health professionals, service providers and community services in creating a tailored response to the needs of Tallaght communities. 

One of the most significant results was an increase in stress levels since the original study was conducted in 2001. 
In the past 12 months, three out of five households have experienced stress due to finances, family, illness, work, unemployment and study – with 23 per cent taking prescription medication in response.

Some 22 per cent of people surveyed also experienced at least one chronic illness, with heart disease (38 per cent), diabetes and respiratory disease (both 15 per cent) the most common.

Another standout figure was a 19 per cent decrease since 2001 in the number of people with private health insurance, with 14 per cent of respondents signed up for health cover.

The figures also revealed that more than a quarter (29 per cent) had neither health insurance nor a medical card. 
The report’s lead author, Dr Catherine Darker, Adelaide Assistant Professor in Health Services Research, Trinity College Dublin and member of the Healthy Ireland Council, said: “Respondents identified the need to invest in psychology, addiction and GP services.

“Over two-thirds of the respondents reported experiencing stress in the previous 12 months, an increase of eight per cent since 2001.

“The reasons for this stress were multi-faceted . . . and the main response to this stress was to seek help from friends and family and also to attend a GP.

“In fact, respondents indicated that they have a positive relationship with their GP, with 90 per cent stating that they would recommend their GP to a friend or family member and 90 per cent also stating that they were satisfied with their GP. 
“The majority of those surveyed indicated that their preference is to attend GP services, rather than hospital services, for diagnostic testing such as blood tests, x-ray and ultrasounds.

“We need to carefully listen to the views of the community and examine the feasibility and clinical effectiveness of providing these services within a primary-care setting or alternatively to expand the diagnostic services available at Tallaght Hospital.”

Over one-fifth of households had attended Tallaght Hospital in the previous 12 months, with 74 per cent of respondents satisfied with the care they received and 94 per cent believing that the hospital is beneficial to the surrounding area.

However, “unreasonable” waiting times for appointments was flagged with almost half of respondents expressing a desire to be involved in decisions to change or improve services at the hospital.

David Slevin, the CEO of Tallaght Hospital, said: “We are pleased that three out of four primary carers highly rate their experience at the hospital, however, we are also extremely conscious of the need to reduce waiting times for our services.

“The study also shows the importance of our hospital locally and indicates that it is firmly rooted in the community. 
“We welcome this report as a model of community engagement and are committed to using it to help shape the provision of our services.”

Other statistics which shape community services and local health campaigns include: 83 per cent of respondents never take strenuous exercise, unemployment is up 13 per cent since the 2001 study and less than 45 per cent of respondents are satisfied with out-of-hour GP services.

Smoking, however, is down 25 per cent since 2001 with 71 per cent indicating that their health is ‘good’ or ‘very good’. 
Amenities such as shopping centres, parks, leisure facilities, community spirit, neighbours and public transport also make Tallaght a good place to live.

A lack of activities for young people, anti-social behaviour and crime were listed as concerns.

The report, which is called Health Assets and Needs Assessment (HANA) Tallaght 2014, was undertaken by the Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Trinity College Dublin, and funded by the Adelaide Health Foundation and Tallaght Hospital – in partnership with South Dublin County Council, the Fettercairn Community Health Project, the Health Intelligence Unit, Health and Wellbeing Division, HSE and HSE primary care.

The full study is available at www.adelaide.ie

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