‘One Island – One Lifestyle?’ Health and lifestyles in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland: Comparing the population surveys SLÁN 2007 and NIHSWS 2005

The aim of this report is to provide a profile of lifestyles, health attitudes and behaviours, together with activities that promote or damage health, in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. Regular monitoring of the population in these regions provides essential information for planning and policy regarding population health. Comparisons of present and previous study findings in a given population, and of findings in complementary settings, contribute significantly to our understanding of contemporary trends and the potential effects of interventions. Comparisons between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland have a unique value because of the many similarities and differences between the two parts of the island. However, such comparisons are seldom undertaken. This report takes the opportunity to compare two population surveys – the 2007 Survey of Lifestyle, Attitudes and Nutrition (SLÁN) conducted in the Republic of Ireland and the 2005 Northern Ireland Health and Social Well-being Survey (NIHSWS) conducted in Northern Ireland.