Thousands of Manx residents are being asked to participate in an annual survey which aims to uncover important information about the population’s health, wellbeing and lifestyle choices, with a particular focus this year on attitudes to gambling.

It is hoped the Health and Lifestyle Survey, conducted by the Public Health Directorate, will be completed by occupants of 7,000 homes across the Island over the next two weeks.

A division of the Department of Health and Social Care, Public Health aims to improve the health and wellbeing of the population, understand the factors that influence our health and reduce health inequalities in our population. The results of the survey will provide valuable information to support these goals.

Addresses have been chosen at random using the publicly available property database to ensure a representative sample of population of the Isle of Man. Each of the chosen households will receive a letter this week requesting that one resident completes the survey online.  The process should take around 20 to 30 minutes.

All answers disclosed in the survey will be completely anonymous and any information treated in the strictest confidence, in accordance with the Isle of Man Data Protection Act 2002. While the first three digits of respondents’ postcodes will be requested, this will not identify residences and no attempt will be made to link the information back to specific households.

Participation is voluntary and respondents can choose which questions they feel comfortable answering. It is hoped, however, that the survey will be viewed as an opportunity to help shape cross-government policies that have an impact on the health and wellbeing of the whole population.

Any household invited to take part in the survey which has limited or no internet access, will be able to complete a paper version of the survey, copies of which will be made available at locations around the Island.

For further information contact Public Health on 642639 or email publichealth.dhsc@gov.im

The survey will close at midnight on 29 October 2017.