1. family and parenting
2. children

The Irish Health Behaviour in
School-aged Children (HBSC)
Study 2010
ii
The Irish Health Behaviour in School-aged
Children (HBSC) Study 2010
February 2012
Colette Kelly, Aoife Gavin, Michal Molcho and Saoirse Nic Gabhainn.
Health Promotion Research Centre
National University of Ireland, Galway
www.nuigalway.ie/hbsc
1
The Irish Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) Study 2010
© Copyright 2012
Health Promotion Research Centre, National University of Ireland, Galway
Department of Health, Government of Ireland, Dublin
Published by the Department of Health and National University of Ireland, Galway.
ISBN: 978-1-908358-02-8
A version of the report in Irish is available online at:
www.nuigalway.ie/hbsc
2
Contents
Entries below are clickable links.
Foreword..............................................................................4
Introduction........................................................................5
Executive Summary...........................................................6
Methodology.......................................................................9
Results.................................................................................11
General Health.............................................................13
Smoking.........................................................................19
Alcohol...........................................................................23
Drug Use........................................................................27
Food and Dietary Behaviour.....................................29
Exercise and Physical Activity..................................41
Self-care.........................................................................47
Injuries...........................................................................51
Physical Fighting and Bullying.................................53
Sexual Health Behaviours.........................................57
Appendix............................................................................59
Project Team......................................................................62
Acknowledgements..........................................................63
3
Foreword
Once again, we have been given a window into the health
behaviours of school-going children – an insight that is
invaluable for how we approach policy in various domains.
This adds to the body of research already available on the
lifestyles and health behaviours of Irish people; and we use this
information with one aim in mind: To improve and protect the
health of the Irish population.
The Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) survey
provides us with a roadmap for the future direction of policy
to improve and protect the health of the nation: It tells us the
areas where policy needs to adjust and focus; the future trends
in relevant behaviours; so as to assist Government in addressing
the behavioural trends that are a source of concern, or indeed to prevail with existing policy
where encouraging positive behaviour trends have been reported.
The context of this research study is the World Health Organization: HBSC is a cross-national
research study conducted in collaboration with the WHO Regional Office for Europe that has 43
participating countries and regions; and this is the fourth time that my Department has funded
the Irish phase of the study. This gives us the opportunity to continue monitoring and identifying
health behaviour trends in a way that is comparable with other participating countries.
The survey describes health behaviours in children aged between 9 to 18 years. While some
responses from children indicate little change from those reported in 2006, other data are
encouraging: I am heartened that the proportion of children who have smoked tobacco has
decreased, similar to the trend in alcohol consumption and use of cannabis; nutrition and
dietary trends also appear to be – on balance – positive with more children eating vegetables
and a decrease in the consumption of sweets and soft drinks; but I am disheartened to
note that an overall increase has been reported in the proportion of children who report
experiencing hunger. Finally, for the first time, the study includes the sexual health
behaviours of children aged between 15 and 17 years. Overall the survey provides us with
essential lifestyle information that my Department will use in promoting healthy lifestyles in
health and other sectors.
I wish to acknowledge the work of the Health Promotion Research Centre at the National
University of Ireland, Galway in compiling this study. Finally I would like to thank all those
students who took time to complete the questionnaires, their parents and the staff from the
participating schools for their support.
Dr James Reilly
Minister for Health
4
Introduction
This report presents data from the HBSC Ireland 2010, the Irish Health Behaviour in Schoolaged Children survey. The 2010 HBSC survey is the fourth time that data of this kind have
been collected from young people across the Republic of Ireland; previous surveys were
conducted in 2006, 2002 and 1998 (www.nuigalway.ie/hbsc).
HBSC is a cross-sectional research study conducted in collaboration with the World Health
Organization (WHO) Regional Office for Europe. The HBSC international survey runs
on an academic 4-year cycle and in 2009/2010 there were 43 participating countries and
regions (www.hbsc.org). The overall study aims to gain new insight into, and increase our
understanding of young people’s health and well-being, health behaviours and their social
context. As well as serving a monitoring and a knowledge-generating function, one of the key
objectives of HBSC has been to inform policy and practice.
Cross-nationally, HBSC collects information on the key indicators of health, health attitudes
and health behaviour, as well as the context of health for young people. HBSC is a schoolbased survey with data collected through self-completion questionnaires administered
by teachers in the classroom. The HBSC survey instrument is a standard questionnaire
developed by the international research network. The areas of interest are chosen in
collaboration with the WHO and are designed to help assist developments at a national and
international level in relation to youth health.
The issues identified for inclusion in this first report from the 2010 Irish survey mirror the
2006 national HBSC report and were identified by the Advisory Board and within key
national Strategy documents. These include general health, smoking, use of alcohol and other
substances, food and dietary behaviour, exercise and physical activity, self-care, injuries and
bullying. In addition, children aged 15 and over were also asked, for the first time in the Irish
HBSC survey, to report their sexual health behaviours and these data are presented here.
Statistically significant differences by gender, age and social class are presented in this report.
The HBSC study was funded by the Department of Health and the Department of Children
and Youth Affairs. The survey and analyses were carried out at the Health Promotion
Research Centre, National University of Ireland, Galway (NUI Galway).
5
Executive Summary
A summary of the main findings from HBSC Ireland 2010 is provided below:
General Health
Overall, the proportion of children who report excellent health (33%), feeling very happy
(50%) and high life satisfaction (76%) remains stable from HBSC 2006. In general, younger
children and boys are more likely to report positive health. Children from lower social class
groups are less likely to report excellent health and high life satisfaction.
The proportion of 3rd and 4th class children who report excellent health (39%) and feeling
very happy (70%) remains stable from 2006. There are no significant differences across gender
or social class groups.
Substance use
Overall, there is a decrease from 2006 in reports of tobacco, alcohol and cannabis use among
school children in Ireland.
Smoking
Reports of current smoking (12%) and having ever smoked (27%) have declined since 2006
(15% and 36% respectively). Differences by age and social class are evident for both measures
of smoking, with older children and those from lower social classes more likely to report both
behaviours. Boys are more likely to report having ever smoked than girls, with a notable drop
in ever smoking among older girls (47% in 2010 vs. 57% in 2006).
The proportion of 3rd and 4th class children who report that they have ever smoked (3%) has
decreased from 2006 and reports of current smoking status remains the same (1%) as in 2006.
Boys are more likely than girls to report such behaviours. There are no significant differences
across social class groups.
Alcohol
Reports of alcohol consumption have decreased among school children in Ireland since
2006 with 46% of children reporting ever drinking (53% in 2006) and 21% reporting being
current drinkers (26% in 2006). Rates of drunkenness (28% in 2010 vs. 32% in 2006) and
reports of been drunk in the last 30 days (18% in 2010 vs. 20% in 2006) have also decreased.
Age and gender differences are observed for all four measures of alcohol consumption, with
older children and boys more likely to report drinking and drunkenness. Children from lower
social classes are more likely to report having been ‘really drunk’.
Drug Use
Reported cannabis use, both in the past 12 months (8% in 2010 vs. 16% in 2006) and in the
past 30 days (5% in 2010 vs. 7% in 2006), has decreased. Boys and older children are more
likely to report use of cannabis. No social class differences are evident.
6
Food and Dietary Behaviour
Food (e.g., vegetable) and dietary behaviours (e.g., dieting to lose weight) among school children in
Ireland have improved or remain stable since HBSC 2006.
Food consumption
Overall, 20% of children report that they consume fruit more than once a day (19% in 2006) and
20% report eating vegetables more than once a day (18% in 2006). Girls, younger children and those
from higher social classes are more likely to report regular fruit and vegetable consumption.
Overall the proportion of children who report eating sweets daily or more often (37% in 2010
vs. 39% in 2006), and who report soft drink consumption daily or more often (21% in 2010
vs. 26% in 2006) have decreased from 2006. Older children and children from lower social
class groups are more likely to report regular consumption of sweets and soft drinks. Gender
differences are also observed, with girls more likely to report frequent sweet consumption
(39% girls vs. 34% boys) and boys more likely to report frequent intake of soft drinks (23%
boys vs. 19% girls).
Similar patterns are evident among 3rd and 4th class children, with an increase in vegetable
consumption (26% in 2010 vs. 21% in 2006), no change in fruit intake (30%) or sweets
consumption (28%), and a decrease in soft drink consumption (15% in 2010 vs. 18% in 2006).
Food behaviours
Reports of never having breakfast on weekdays have not changed from 2006 (13% in 2010 vs.
14% in 2006). Girls, older children and those from lower social class groups are more likely
to report that they never have breakfast on weekdays. The proportion of 3rd and 4th class
children who report never having breakfast on weekdays also remains stable from 2006 (2%).
Children were asked to report how often they go to school or to bed hungry because there
was not enough food at home. Overall, 21% of children report ever going to school or to bed
hungry, an increase from 2006 (17%). Boys, younger children and those from lower social
classes are all more likely to report going to school or to bed hungry.
Reports of dieting (or doing something else) to lose weight in 2010 (13%) remain stable from
2006 (12%). Girls and older children are more likely to report dieting (or trying) to lose
weight.
Exercise and physical activity
There has been little change in reported frequency of exercise, physical activity and inactivity
in HBSC 2010. Overall 51% of children report exercising four or more times a week (53% in
2006), 9% of children report participating in vigorous exercise less than weekly (10% in 2006)
and 25% of children report being physically active on 7 days in the last week (27% in 2006).
With each of these three measures, gender and age group differences are evident. In general,
boys and younger children are more likely to be active. Children from lower social classes are
7
The Irish Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) Study 2010
more likely to report inactivity and those from middle social classes are more likely to report
being physically active on 7 days in the last week.
Among 3rd and 4th class children 70% report exercising four or more times a week (72% in
2006) and 7% report participating in vigorous exercise less than weekly (8% in 2006).
Self-care
Self-reported tooth brushing, at a frequency of more than once a day (67%), remains stable from
2006 (63%), with the same pattern evident among 3rd and 4th class children (66% in 2010 vs.
64% in 2006). Girls and children in higher social class groups are more likely to report brushing
their teeth more than once a day. There are no significant differences across age groups.
Children were asked how often they use a seatbelt when in a car. Overall, 81% of children
report always wearing a seatbelt, which remains stable from 2006 (79%). Girls and younger
children are more likely to report always using a seatbelt.
Injuries
There is an overall decrease in the number of children who report being injured and needing
medical attention once or more in the last 12 months (37% in 2010 vs. 43% in 2006). Boys and
older children are more likely to report ever being injured. Of those reporting an injury, 57%
report that they missed 3 or more days of usual activity in the past year due to injury (56% in
2006). Gender and age differences are similar to those reported for injury prevalence, with no
social class effect observed.
Bullying
The rates of children reporting ever being bullied remain unchanged since 2006 at 24%.
However, the proportion of children reporting bullying others in the past couple of months
has decreased (17% in 2010 vs. 22% in 2006). Boys are more likely to report both ever being
bullied and that they have bullied others. Younger children are more likely to report having
been bullied, while older children are more likely to report bullying others. There are no
differences across social class groups.
The percentage of 3rd and 4th class children who report ever being bullied (37%) remains
unchanged from 2006. There are no significant differences across gender or social class groups.
Sexual Behaviour
Overall, 27% of 15-17 year olds report that they have ever had sex. Boys and those from lower
social class groups are more likely to report ever having sex.
Of those who report ever having had sex, 93% report using a condom the last time they had
sex and 59% report that they had used the birth control pill. Girls are more likely to report
using the birth control pill as a form of contraceptive with no gender differences in reports of
condom use as a form of contraceptive. There are no differences across social class groups.
8
Methodology
HBSC 2010 & Middle Childhood Survey
The HBSC survey is a WHO (European) collaborative study. Principal investigators from all
countries/regions co-operate in relation to survey content, methodology and timing, and an
international protocol is developed. Strict adherence to the protocol is required for inclusion
in the international database and this has been achieved with the current study.
In the Republic of Ireland, sampling was conducted in order to be representative of the
proportion of children in each of the 8 geographical regions. The objective was to achieve a
nationally representative sample of school-aged children, and the procedures employed were
the same as those for the 1998, 2002 and 2006 HBSC Ireland surveys. Data from the 2006
census was employed to provide a picture of the population distribution across geographical
regions. The sampling frame consisted of primary and post-primary schools, lists of which
were provided by the Department of Education and Science. A two-stage process identified
study participants. Individual schools within regions were first randomly selected and
subsequently, class groups within schools were randomly selected for participation. In
primary schools classes from 3rd to 6th class groups were included, while in post-primary
schools all classes, with the exception of Leaving Certificate groups (i.e., final year
examination classes) were sampled.
School principals were first approached by post and when positive responses were received,
HBSC questionnaires in Irish or English were offered, along with blank envelopes to facilitate
anonymity, parental consent forms, information sheets for teachers and classroom feedback
forms. All returns were facilitated through the provision of FREEPOST envelopes. In order
to maximise response rates, postal reminders were sent to schools, followed by telephone calls
from research staff at the Health Promotion Research Centre, NUI Galway. Data entry was
conducted according to the International HBSC protocol. A summary of the methodology
employed can be found in Table 1.
Data were collected from children in 3rd and 4th class, using an abbreviated version of the main
HBSC questionnaire. Data on sexual health behaviours were only collected from the older
age group.
9
The Irish Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) Study 2010
Table 1:
Summary of methodology for the HBSC Survey
Population
School going children aged 9-18 years
Sampling Frame
Department of Education and Science school lists
Sample
Cluster sample of students in a given classroom
Stratification
Proportionate to the distribution of pupils across geographical
regions
Survey Instrument
Self-completion questionnaire
Delivery/Reminders
Postal delivery via principals and teachers, letter and telephone
reminders
Return
Freepost addressed envelopes provided
Response Rate
67% of invited schools / 85% of students
Obtained Sample
256 schools / 16,060 pupils
Data Quality
Data were entered according to the HBSC international protocol
Ethics
Full ethical approval was granted by the National University of
Ireland, Galway Research Ethics Committee
Details of the demographic representativeness of the sample can be found in the Appendix.
The results section outlines children’s perceptions and behaviours relating to health. Data
are presented for HBSC and Middle Childhood studies seperately. Data are illustrated by
gender, age and social class (SC). Social class is represented by SC 1-2, SC 3-4 and SC 5-6
corresponding to high, middle and low social classes, respectively. The categories used
for social class are standard and were determined by parental occupation. Social class 1
represent professional occupations (i.e., solicitor, doctor), social class 2 represent managerial
occupations (i.e., nurse, teacher), social class 3 represent non-manual occupations (i.e., sales
person, office clerk), social class 4 represent skilled-manual occupations (i.e., hairdresser,
carpenter), social class 5 represent semi-skilled occupations (i.e., postman, driver), social class
6 represent unskilled occupations (i.e., cleaner, labourer).
Statistical analysis
Statistical analyses were carried out to determine if differences by gender, age group and
social class were statistically significant. Differences at p<0.05 are described in the report.
10
Results
11
12
General Health
Children were asked a number of general questions concerning their lives and perceived health.
Excellent Health
Children were asked to rate their health as excellent, good, fair or poor. Overall, 33% of children
aged 10-17 report that they would say their health is excellent with a further 55% that it is good.
Figure 1: Percentages of boys who report their health is excellent
60
50
49
44
40
46
42
40
SC1-2 2006
SC3-4 2006
SC5-6 2006
38
35
34
39
42
40
40
39
33 35
34 33
33
(%) 30
SC1-2 2010
SC3-4 2010
SC5-6 2010
20
10
0
10-11
12-14
Age Group (Years)
15-17
Figure 2: Percentages of girls who report their health is excellent
60
SC1-2 2006
SC3-4 2006
SC5-6 2006
50
42
40
39
37
38
(%) 30
40
35
39
31 30
33
SC1-2 2010
SC3-4 2010
SC5-6 2010
29
24
25
23
19 18
20
20
18
10
0
10-11
12-14
Age Group (Years)
15-17
There are statistically significant differences by gender, age group and social class. Overall,
38% of boys report excellent health compared to 27% of girls. Younger children are
significantly more likely to report excellent health compared to older children and children
from higher social class groups are more likely to report excellent health than those from
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The Irish Health Behaviour in School-Aged
School-aged Children
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(HBSC)Study
Study2010
2010
other social class groups. The proportion of children who report that their health is excellent
remains unchanged from 2006 (33% in 2006).
Excellent Health – Middle Childhood Study
Overall, 49% of 3rd and 4th class children report that they would say their health is excellent.
There are no statistically significant gender or social class differences. The proportion of
children that report excellent health remains stable from 2006 (47% in 2006).
Figure 3: Percentages of 9 year old boys and girls who report their health is excellent
60
50
40
46
50
47 48
42
40
49
45 47 46
20
10
Boys
Girls
Gender
14
49
SC1-2 2006
SC3-4 2006
SC5-6 2006
SC1-2 2010
SC3-4 2010
SC5-6 2010
(%) 30
0
52
General Health
Life at present (happiness)
Children were asked to report how they feel about their life at present. Overall, 50% of
children report feeling very happy with their lives at present with a further 41% reporting
feeling quite happy.
Figure 4: Percentages of boys who report feeling very happy about their lives at present
80
70
64
67 68
60
62
SC1-2 2006
SC3-4 2006
SC5-6 2006
65
59
55 55 57
54 55 54
50
44 46
(%) 40
40
46 45 46
30
SC1-2 2010
SC3-4 2010
SC5-6 2010
20
10
0
10-11
12-14
Age Group (Years)
15-17
Figure 5: Percentages of girls who report feeling very happy about their lives at present
80
70
68 67 66
64 66
60
52
50
SC1-2 2006
SC3-4 2006
SC5-6 2006
68
55 53
55
49 51
(%) 40
44
36
30
39
32
36 35
SC1-2 2010
SC3-4 2010
SC5-6 2010
20
10
0
10-11
12-14
Age Group (Years)
15-17
There are statistically significant differences by gender and age group. Overall, 52% of boys
compared to 49% of girls report feeling very happy with their lives and younger children are
more likely to report feeling very happy with their lives than older children. There are no
statistically significant differences across social class groups. The proportion of children who
report feeling very happy with their lives remains unchanged from 2006 (50% in 2006).
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The Irish Health Behaviour in School-Aged
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Study2010
2010
Life at present (happiness) – Middle Childhood Study
Overall, 70% of 3rd and 4th class children report feeling very happy with their lives at present.
There are no statistically significant differences by gender or social class. The proportion of
children who report feeling very happy with their lives remains stable from 2006 (72% in
2006).
Figure 6: Percentages of 9 year old boys and girls who report feeling very happy about
their lives at present
80
70
71 69
68
67
77 76
70 71
73 71 71
67
60
50
SC1-2 2010
SC3-4 2010
SC5-6 2010
(%) 40
30
20
10
0
Boys
Girls
Gender
16
SC1-2 2006
SC3-4 2006
SC5-6 2006
General Health
Life satisfaction
Children were asked to report where they feel they stand at the moment on a scale from 0 to
10. Overall, 76% of children report high life satisfaction (rank 7 or higher on the scale).
Figure 7: Percentages of boys who report high life satisfaction
100
90
80
70
60
(%) 50
40
30
20
10
0
86 87
91
87 85
81
84 81 82
84 82
79
78
75
70
75 73
67
SC1-2 2006
SC3-4 2006
SC5-6 2006
SC1-2 2010
SC3-4 2010
SC5-6 2010
10-11
12-14
Age Group (Years)
15-17
Figure 8: Percentages of girls who report high life satisfaction
100
90
80
70
60
(%) 50
40
30
20
10
0
89 86 91
86 86 89
79 79 78
81
74 73
69
62
10-11
SC1-2 2006
SC3-4 2006
SC5-6 2006
12-14
Age Group (Years)
67
71
67
60
SC1-2 2010
SC3-4 2010
SC5-6 2010
15-17
Statistically significant gender differences are apparent with fewer girls (74%) than boys
(79%) reporting high life satisfaction. There are also statistically significant differences
across age groups with younger children more likely to report high life satisfaction than older
children, and across social class groups, with those from lower social class groups less likely
to report high life satisfaction than those from other social class groups. The proportion of
children who report high life satisfaction remains stable from 2006 (77% in 2006).
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The Irish Health Behaviour in School-Aged
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Study2010
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18
Smoking
Children were asked about two aspects of smoking tobacco: having ever smoked and current
smoking behaviour, which was defined as smoking tobacco monthly or more frequently.
Ever smoked tobacco
Overall, 27% of children report that they have ever smoked tobacco, with statistically
significant differences across age groups. There are statistically significant gender differences,
with more boys (27%) than girls (26%) reporting having ever smoked tobacco. There are also
statistically significant differences across social class groups; those from the lower social class
groups are more likely to report having ever smoked tobacco compared to other social class
groups. There is an overall decrease in the proportion of children who report that they have
ever smoked tobacco from 2006 (36% in 2006).
Figure 9: Percentages of boys who report ever smoking tobacco
70
60
52
50
(%)
48 48
43
48
SC1-2 2006
SC3-4 2006
SC5-6 2006
43
40
27
30
20
10
0
13
30 30
15
9 9
6
18
23
SC1-2 2010
SC3-4 2010
SC5-6 2010
10
2
10-11
12-14
Age Group (Years)
15-17
Figure 10: Percentages of girls who report ever smoking tobacco
70
60
54
50
(%)
59 57
52
43
40
30
24
20
10
0
9
5 7
28 29
13
2 3
10-11
17
46
SC1-2 2006
SC3-4 2006
SC5-6 2006
SC1-2 2010
SC3-4 2010
SC5-6 2010
21
7
12-14
Age Group (Years)
15-17
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The Irish Health Behaviour in School-Aged
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2010
Ever smoked tobacco – Middle Childhood Study
Overall, 3% of 3rd and 4th class children report that they have ever smoked tobacco. There are
statistically significant gender differences with 5% of boys compared to 2% of girls reporting
that they have ever smoked tobacco. The proportion of 3rd and 4th class children who report
that they have ever smoked tobacco is similar to 2006 (4% in 2006).
Figure 11: Percentages of 9 year old boys and girls who report ever smoking tobacco
70
SC1-2 2006
SC3-4 2006
SC5-6 2006
60
50
(%)
SC1-2 2010
SC3-4 2010
SC5-6 2010
40
30
20
10
0
4
3
6
4
3
4
1
Boys
3
1
Girls
Gender
20
1
2
3
Smoking
Current smoking status
Overall, 12% of children report that they are current smokers. Smoking is more prevalent
among older than younger children and this difference is statistically significant. Overall,
there are statistically significant differences across social class groups in current smoking
status, with children from higher social class groups less likely to report current smoking
behaviour. There are no statistically significant differences by gender. There is an overall
decrease in the proportion of children who report that they are current smokers from 2006
(15% in 2006).
Figure 12: Percentages of boys who report that they are current smokers
40
SC1-2 2006
SC3-4 2006
SC5-6 2006
30
22 23
(%) 20
8
5
0
19
18
10
1
3
10 10
5
22
16
SC1-2 2010
SC3-4 2010
SC5-6 2010
6 7 7
1 1
10-11
12-14
Age Group (Years)
15-17
Figure 13: Percentages of girls who report that they are current smokers
40
30
30
SC1-2 2006
SC3-4 2006
SC5-6 2006
28
24
19
(%) 20
10 11
10
1 2 1
25
SC1-2 2010
SC3-4 2010
SC5-6 2010
13
8
5
0
23
6
2 1 2
10-11
12-14
Age Group (Years)
15-17
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Current smoking status – Middle Childhood Study
Overall, 1% of 3rd and 4th class children report that they are current smokers. There are
statistically significant gender differences with 2% of boys and 1% of girls reporting that they
are current smokers. There are no statistically significant social class differences. Overall,
the proportion of 3rd and 4th class students who report that they are current smokers remains
stable from 2006 (1% in 2006).
Figure 14: Percentages of 9 year old boys and girls who report that they are current
smokers
40
SC1-2 2006
SC3-4 2006
SC5-6 2006
30
SC1-2 2010
SC3-4 2010
SC5-6 2010
(%) 20
10
0
1
1
3
2
2
2
0
Boys
1
0
Girls
Gender
22
1
1
1
Alcohol
Never drinking
Overall, 54% of children report that they have never had an alcoholic drink. There are
statistically significant differences by gender and age group. Girls are more likely than boys
to report never drinking (57% and 52% respectively), and younger children are more likely to
report never drinking than older children. Social class differences are not evident. There is an
overall increase in the proportion of children who report that they have never had an alcoholic
drink from 2006 (47% in 2006).
Figure 15: Percentages of boys who report never having had an alcoholic drink
100
90
80
70
60
(%) 50
40
30
20
10
0
SC1-2 2006
SC3-4 2006
SC5-6 2006
79 79 81
67 67 70
63 63 61
53 52 54
28 25
10-11
12-14
Age Group (Years)
31 30 33
SC1-2 2010
SC3-4 2010
SC5-6 2010
23
15-17
Figure 16: Percentages of girls who report never having had an alcoholic drink
100
90
80
70
60
(%) 50
40
30
20
10
0
89 88
84
SC1-2 2006
SC3-4 2006
SC5-6 2006
88 91 89
65 62
71 72
61
65
SC1-2 2010
SC3-4 2010
SC5-6 2010
28
20
10-11
12-14
Age Group (Years)
26
29 27
25
15-17
23
The Irish Health Behaviour in School-Aged Children (HBSC) Study 2010
Had an alcoholic drink in the past month
Current drinkers are defined as those who report having had an alcoholic drink in the past
month. Overall, 21% of children report having had an alcoholic drink in the past month.
Figure 17: Percentages of boys who report having had an alcoholic drink in the last month
60
50
46
SC1-2 2006
SC3-4 2006
SC5-6 2006
48 49
39
40
42
39
(%) 30
20
10
0
16 15
3 5 2
1 2
14
SC1-2 2010
SC3-4 2010
SC5-6 2010
10 10 11
4
10-11
12-14
Age Group (Years)
15-17
Figure 18: Percentages of girls who report having had an alcoholic drink in the last month
60
51
50
44
45
38
40
(%) 30
41 40
SC1-2 2006
SC3-4 2006
SC5-6 2006
SC1-2 2010
SC3-4 2010
SC5-6 2010
20
12 13 11
10
0
1 2 1
8 9
11
0 1 0
10-11
12-14
Age Group (Years)
15-17
There are statistically significant gender differences with 22% of boys and 19% of girls who
report they are current drinkers. Older children are significantly more likely to report having
had an alcoholic drink in the past month, with 2% of 10-11 years olds and 40% of 15-17 year
olds reporting this behaviour. There are no statistically significant differences across social
class groups. Overall, there is a decrease in the proportion of children who report having had
an alcoholic drink in the past month from 2006 (26% in 2006).
24
Alcohol
Drunkenness
In addition to alcohol consumption, children were asked if they had ever had so much alcohol
that they were ‘really drunk’. Overall, 28% of children report having been ‘really drunk’.
Figure 19: Percentages of boys who report having been ‘really drunk’
70
60
53
58 56
49
50
(%)
55 53
SC1-2 2010
SC3-4 2010
SC5-6 2010
40
30
20
10
0
SC1-2 2006
SC3-4 2006
SC5-6 2006
17
5 7 5
22 21
14
18 19
5 4 6
10-11
12-14
Age Group (Years)
15-17
Figure 20: Percentages of girls who report having been ‘really drunk’
70
60
60
51
50
(%)
55
53 55
47
SC1-2 2010
SC3-4 2010
SC5-6 2010
40
30
20
10
0
SC1-2 2006
SC3-4 2006
SC5-6 2006
15 17 15
1 2 0
20
12 14
3 2 2
10-11
12-14
Age Group (Years)
15-17
There are statistically significant gender, age group and social class differences. More boys
(29%) than girls (26%) report having been ‘really drunk’ and reports of drunkenness are
higher among older children: 4% of 10-11 year olds, 16% of 12-14 year olds and 52% of 1517 year olds. Children from lower social class groups are more likely to report having been
‘really drunk’ than those from other social class groups. There is an overall decrease in the
proportion of children who report having been ‘really drunk’ from 2006 (32% in 2006).
25
The Irish Health Behaviour in School-Aged Children (HBSC) Study 2010
Been drunk in the last 30 days
Children were also asked if they have been drunk in the last 30 days. Overall, 18% of
children report that they have been drunk in the last 30 days with statistically significant
gender differences: 19% of boys and 17% of girls overall reporting this behaviour. There are
also statistically significant differences across age groups but not across social class groups.
Overall, the proportion of children who report having been drunk in the last 30 days remains
stable from 2006 (20% in 2006).
Figure 21: Percentages of boys who report having been drunk in the last 30 days
50
40
36 37 37
40
34
33
30
SC1-2 2010
SC3-4 2010
SC5-6 2010
(%)
20
10
0
SC1-2 2006
SC3-4 2006
SC5-6 2006
8
1
3 2
10 11
7
9 10
2 3 3
10-11
12-14
Age Group (Years)
15-17
Figure 22: Percentages of girls who report having been drunk in the last 30 days
50
41
40
34
36
38 40
33
SC1-2 2010
SC3-4 2010
SC5-6 2010
30
(%)
20
10
0
26
SC1-2 2006
SC3-4 2006
SC5-6 2006
7
1 1 0
10
12
7 7
10
0 1 1
10-11
12-14
Age Group (Years)
15-17
Drug Use
Cannabis in the last 12 months
Overall, 8% of children report using cannabis in the last 12 months, with statistically
significant gender and age group differences. More boys than girls report using cannabis
in the last 12 months (10% vs. 6%). Additionally, older children are more likely to report
cannabis use in the last 12 months: 1% of 10-11 year olds vs. 17% of 15-17 year olds. There are
no statistically significant differences across social class groups. Overall, there is a decrease in
the proportion of children who report using cannabis in the last 12 months from 2006 (16%
in 2006).
Figure 23: Percentages of boys reporting cannabis use in the last 12 months
30
22
SC1-2 2006
SC3-4 2006
SC5-6 2006
24 24
21
20
17
17
(%)
10
6
1
0
2
0
8 7
4 4
SC1-2 2010
SC3-4 2010
SC5-6 2010
5
0 0 0
10-11
12-14
Age Group (Years)
15-17
Figure 24: Percentages of girls reporting cannabis use in the last 12 months
30
SC1-2 2006
SC3-4 2006
SC5-6 2006
22
20
20
18
17
(%)
11
12
SC1-2 2010
SC3-4 2010
SC5-6 2010
10
4
0
1 0 0
0 0 1
10-11
6
5
2 2
3
12-14
Age Group (Years)
15-17
27
The Irish Health Behaviour in School-Aged Children (HBSC) Study 2010
Cannabis use in the last 30 days
Children were asked to report on using cannabis in the last 30 days. Overall, 5% of children
aged 10-17 report using cannabis in the last 30 days. There are statistically significant gender
and age group differences. More boys (7%) than girls (3%) and older children compared to
younger children are more likely to report using cannabis in the last 30 days. There are no
statistically significant differences across social class groups. Overall, there is a decrease in the
proportion of children who report cannabis use in the last 30 days from 2006 (7% in 2006).
Figure 25: Percentages of boys reporting cannabis use in the last 30 days
20
SC1-2 2006
SC3-4 2006
SC5-6 2006
15
13
13
10
(%) 10
1
0
3
2
0
0 0
4
9
SC1-2 2010
SC3-4 2010
SC5-6 2010
5
2
1
10-11
10
3 3
12-14
Age Group (Years)
15-17
Figure 26: Percentages of girls reporting cannabis use in the last 30 days
20
SC1-2 2006
SC3-4 2006
SC5-6 2006
11
(%) 10
10
8
8
6 6
3 3
1
0
28
0 0
0 0
10-11
1
2
1 1
2
12-14
Age Group (Years)
15-17
SC1-2 2010
SC3-4 2010
SC5-6 2010
Food and Dietary Behaviour
Fruit
Overall, 20% of children report that they consume fruit more than once a day. There
are statistically significant differences by gender, age group and social class. A higher
proportion of girls report eating fruit more than once a day compared to boys (22% and 18%
respectively). Younger children (24% of 10-11; 20% of 12-14; 19% of 15-17) and those from
higher social classes are more likely to report eating fruit more than once a day compared to
older children and those from other social classes, respectively. The proportion of children
who report eating fruit more than once a day remains stable from 2006 (19% in 2006).
Figure 27: Percentages of boys who report eating fruit more than once a day
40
SC1-2 2006
SC3-4 2006
SC5-6 2006
30
(%) 20
23 22
21
17
22
18
17
14
19
19
16 16
15
16
15
13
18
SC1-2 2010
SC3-4 2010
SC5-6 2010
12
10
0
10-11
12-14
Age Group (Years)
15-17
Figure 28: Percentages of girls who report eating fruit more than once a day
40
38
29
30
SC1-2 2006
SC3-4 2006
SC5-6 2006
30
26
23
(%) 20
24
25
25
25
22
18
20
26
23
19
21
16
16
SC1-2 2010
SC3-4 2010
SC5-6 2010
10
0
10-11
12-14
Age Group (Years)
15-17
29
The Irish Health Behaviour in School-Aged Children (HBSC) Study 2010
Fruit – Middle Childhood Study
Overall, 30% of 3rd and 4th class children report that they eat fruit more than once a day. There
are no gender differences but there are statistically significant differences across social class
groups. The proportion of children that report eating fruit more than once a day remains
unchanged from 2006 (30% in 2006).
Figure 29: Percentages of 9 year old boys and girls who report eating fruit more than
once a day
40
35
30
32 31
30
27
24
23
33
34
29 29
25
SC1-2 2010
SC3-4 2010
SC5-6 2010
(%) 20
10
0
Boys
Girls
Gender
30
SC1-2 2006
SC3-4 2006
SC5-6 2006
Food and Dietary Behaviour
Vegetables
Overall, 20% of children report eating vegetables more than once a day. Statistically
significant gender differences are evident with fewer boys (19%) than girls (22%) reporting
eating vegetables more than once a day. There are also statistically significant differences
across age and social class groups with younger children and those from higher social classes
more likely to report eating vegetables more than once a day than older children and those
from other social class groups, respectively. There is an increase in the proportion of children
that report eating vegetables more than once a day from 2006 (18% in 2006).
Figure 30: Percentages of boys who report eating vegetables more than once a day
40
SC1-2 2006
SC3-4 2006
SC5-6 2006
30
25
21
19
(%) 20
13
19
17
19
19
18
15
14 15
1616
0
10-11
SC1-2 2010
SC3-4 2010
SC5-6 2010
12
11
10
17
19
12-14
Age Group (Years)
15-17
Figure 31: Percentages of girls who report eating vegetables more than once a day
40
30
(%) 20
SC1-2 2006
SC3-4 2006
SC5-6 2006
26
24
26
24
20
19
26
23
26
23
22
19 18
19
15
17
19
21
SC1-2 2010
SC3-4 2010
SC5-6 2010
10
0
10-11
12-14
Age Group (Years)
15-17
31
The Irish Health Behaviour in School-Aged Children (HBSC) Study 2010
Vegetables – Middle Childhood Study
Overall, 26% of children in 3rd and 4th class report eating vegetables more than once a
day. Gender differences are statistically significant, with girls more likely to report eating
vegetables more than once a day then boys (29% and 23% respectively). There are no
significant social class differences. There is an increase in the proportion of children who
report eating vegetables more than once a day from 2006 (21% in 2006).
Figure 32: Percentages of 9 year old boys and girls who report eating vegetables more
than once a day
40
31 31
30
(%) 20
28
27
21
23
21
19
24 25 23
SC1-2 2010
SC3-4 2010
SC5-6 2010
19
10
0
Boys
Girls
Gender
32
SC1-2 2006
SC3-4 2006
SC5-6 2006
Food and Dietary Behaviour
Sweets
Children were asked to report on frequency of consuming sweets. Overall, 37% of children
report eating sweets once a day or more. There are statistically significant differences by
gender, age group and social class. Overall, 39% of girls report eating sweets once a day or
more compared to 34% of boys. Older children and children from lower social class groups
are significantly more likely to report eating sweets once a day or more compared to younger
children and those from other social class groups, respectively. There is an overall decrease in
the proportion of children who report eating sweets once a day or more from 2006 (39% in
2006).
Figure 33: Percentages of boys who report eating sweets daily or more
60
50
40
(%) 30
37
25
28
25
24
33
37
40
34
30
39
43
45
41
45
37
SC1-2 2006
SC3-4 2006
SC5-6 2006
SC1-2 2010
SC3-4 2010
SC5-6 2010
32
26
20
10
0
10-11
12-14
Age Group (Years)
15-17
Figure 34: Percentages of girls who report eating sweets daily or more
60
50
44 45
40
(%) 30
35 34
34 35
42 42
38
45 44
39
41
34
30
25
SC1-2 2006
SC3-4 2006
SC5-6 2006
45
39
SC1-2 2010
SC3-4 2010
SC5-6 2010
20
10
0
10-11
12-14
Age Group (Years)
15-17
33
The Irish Health Behaviour in School-Aged Children (HBSC) Study 2010
Sweets – Middle Childhood Study
Overall, 28% of 3rd and 4th class children report eating sweets once a day or more. There are no
statistically significant differences by gender or social class. The proprotion that report eating
sweets once a day or more remains unchanged from 2006 (28% in 2006).
Figure 35: Percentages of 9 year old boys and girls who report eating sweets daily or
more
60
SC1-2 2006
SC3-4 2006
SC5-6 2006
50
40
31
(%) 30
23
27
27
35
31
30
24
28
26
22
20
10
0
Boys
Girls
Gender
34
23
SC1-2 2010
SC3-4 2010
SC5-6 2010
Food and Dietary Behaviour
Soft Drinks
Overall, 21% of children report drinking soft drinks daily or more. There are statistically
significant differences by gender, age group and social class. Overall, 23% of boys report
drinking soft drinks daily or more compared to 19% of girls. Older children and those from
lower social class groups are also significantly more likely to report drinking soft drinks daily
or more. There is an overall decrease in the proportion of children who report drinking soft
drinks daily or more from 2006 (26% in 2006).
Figure 36: Percentages of boys who report drinking soft drinks daily or more
50
40
37 38
30
28
(%)
20
SC1-2 2006
SC3-4 2006
SC5-6 2006
10
10
SC1-2 2010
SC3-4 2010
SC5-6 2010
29
25
23
18
13
0
29
23
20
15
33
30
21
18
13
10-11
12-14
Age Group (Years)
15-17
Figure 37: Percentages of girls who report drinking soft drinks daily or more
50
SC1-2 2006
SC3-4 2006
SC5-6 2006
40
30
(%)
23
20
10
0
17
11
23
21
15
10
10-11
29
26
24
27
26
21
19
16
12
12-14
Age Group (Years)
15
SC1-2 2010
SC3-4 2010
SC5-6 2010
14
15-17
35
The Irish Health Behaviour in School-Aged Children (HBSC) Study 2010
Soft drinks – Middle Childhood Study
Overall, 15% of 3rd and 4th class children report drinking soft drinks daily or more. Boys (18%)
are significantly more likely than girls (13%) to report drinking soft drinks daily or more.
There are no statistically significant differences across social class groups. Overall, there is a
decrease in the proportion of 3rd and 4th class children who report drinking soft drinks daily
or more from 2006 (18% in 2006).
Figure 38: Percentages of 9 year old boys and girls who report drinking soft drinks daily
or more
50
SC1-2 2006
SC3-4 2006
SC5-6 2006
40
SC1-2 2010
SC3-4 2010
SC5-6 2010
30
(%)
19
20
21
17
12
22
20
17
12
0
Boys
Girls
Gender
36
10
9
10
12
15
Food and Dietary Behaviour
Not having breakfast
Overall, 13% of children aged 10-17 report that they never have breakfast during weekdays.
There are statistically significant differences by gender, age group and social class. Overall,
15% of girls report that they never have breakfast during weekdays compared to 11% of boys.
Older children and those from lower social class groups are significantly more likely to report
that they never have breakfast during weekdays compared to younger children and children
from other social class groups, respectively. Overall, the proportion of children who report
that they never have breakfast during weekdays remains stable from 2006 (14% in 2006).
Figure 39: Percentages of boys who report not having breakfast on weekdays
40
SC1-2 2006
SC3-4 2006
SC5-6 2006
30
(%) 20
16
14
10
4
6
3
0
5 6
8
10-11
10
8 9
8
10
18
14 15
SC1-2 2010
SC3-4 2010
SC5-6 2010
11
11
12-14
Age Group (Years)
15-17
Figure 40: Percentages of girls who report not having breakfast on weekdays
40
30
SC1-2 2006
SC3-4 2006
SC5-6 2006
28
25
(%) 20
12
10
8
5
0
16 17
17 16
16
5 5
10-11
16
24 23
15
SC1-2 2010
SC3-4 2010
SC5-6 2010
11
7
12-14
Age Group (Years)
15-17
37
The Irish Health Behaviour in School-Aged Children (HBSC) Study 2010
Not having breakfast – Middle Childhood Study
Overall, 2% of 3rd and 4th class children report not having breakfast on any day of the week.
There are no statistically significant differences by gender or social class. The proportion of
children who report not having breakfast on any day of the week remains unchanged from
2006 (2% in 2006).
Figure 41: Percentages of 9 year old boys and girls who report not having breakfast
during the week or the weekend
40
SC1-2 2006
SC3-4 2006
SC5-6 2006
30
SC1-2 2010
SC3-4 2010
SC5-6 2010
(%) 20
10
2
0
3
2
2
3
2
1
Boys
2
2
Girls
Gender
38
3
2
2
Food and Dietary Behaviour
Going to school/bed hungry
Children were asked to report how often they go to school or to bed hungry because there
was not enough food at home. Overall, 21% of children report ever going to school or to bed
hungry. There are statistically significant differences by gender, age group and social class.
Overall, 22% of boys report ever going to school or bed hungry compared to 19% of girls.
Younger children and children from lower social class groups are significantly more likely to
report ever going to school or to bed hungry than older children and those from other social
class groups, respectively. There is an overall increase in the proportion of children who report
ever going to school or bed hungry from 2006 (17% in 2006).
Figure 42: Percentages of boys who report ever going to school/bed hungry
40
30
SC1-2 2006
SC3-4 2006
SC5-6 2006
28 27 27
23 23
19
(%) 20
16
20
22
24
24
18
17
15
13
16
19 18
SC1-2 2010
SC3-4 2010
SC5-6 2010
10
0
10-11
12-14
Age Group (Years)
15-17
Figure 43: Percentages of girls who report ever going to school/bed hungry
40
SC1-2 2006
SC3-4 2006
SC5-6 2006
30
30
22
19
(%) 20
14 13
23
20
18
12
19 20
15 14
15
17 18
18
15
SC1-2 2010
SC3-4 2010
SC5-6 2010
10
0
10-11
12-14
Age Group (Years)
15-17
39
The Irish Health Behaviour in School-Aged Children (HBSC) Study 2010
Dieting
Children were asked if they were currently trying to lose weight or if they needed to lose
weight (but were not currently on such a diet). Overall, 13% report trying to lose weight and
an additional 19% report that they needed to lose weight. There are statistically significant
differences by gender and age group. Overall, 17% of girls report trying to lose weight
compared to 10% of boys, and older children are more likely to report trying to lose weight
compared to younger children. There are no statistically significant differences across social
class groups. Overall, the proportion of children who report currently trying to lose weight
remains stable from 2006 (12% in 2006).
Figure 44: Percentages of boys who report currently trying to lose weight
30
SC1-2 2006
SC3-4 2006
SC5-6 2006
20
SC1-2 2010
SC3-4 2010
SC5-6 2010
(%)
10
10
11
8
10 10
8
6
5
0
10-11
9
11
10
9
7
7
12-14
Age Group (Years)
9
9
10
7
15-17
Figure 45: Percentages of girls who report currently trying to lose weight
30
22
20
16
(%)
12
9
10
40
12
18
16
13
6
4
0
13
12 11
16
21
20
10-11
12-14
Age Group (Years)
15-17
23
24
SC1-2 2006
SC3-4 2006
SC5-6 2006
SC1-2 2010
SC3-4 2010
SC5-6 2010
Exercise and Physical Activity
Children were asked about their participation in exercise in their free time. They were
asked the frequency with which they exercised so much that they get out of breath or sweat.
Presented here are data illustrating the percentages reporting that they exercise in such a way
four or more times a week and those reporting that they exercise less than weekly.
Vigorous exercise ≥ 4 times/week
Overall, 51% of children report exercising four or more times a week. There are statistically
significant differences by gender and age group. Overall, 60% of boys report exercising four or
more times a week compared to 40% of girls. Younger children are significantly more likely to
report exercising four or more times a week compared to older children (62% of 10-11; 54%
of 12-14; 41% of 15-17). There are no statistically significant differences across social class
groups. Overall, the proportion of children who report exercising four or more times a week
remains stable from 2006 (53% in 2006).
Figure 46: Percentages of boys who report participating in vigorous exercise four or more
times per week
80
70
68
74 73
64
67 68
71
65
69
67 65
59
60
55 55 56
55
50
58
51
(%) 40
30
SC1-2 2006
SC3-4 2006
SC5-6 2006
SC1-2 2010
SC3-4 2010
SC5-6 2010
20
10
0
10-11
12-14
Age Group (Years)
15-17
Figure 47: Percentages of girls who report participating in vigorous exercise four or more
times per week
80
70
60
61
56 57
60
50
SC1-2 2006
SC3-4 2006
SC5-6 2006
64
56
50 51
53
45 44
38
(%) 40
29 27 27
30
31
27 28
SC1-2 2010
SC3-4 2010
SC5-6 2010
20
10
0
10-11
12-14
Age Group (Years)
15-17
41
The Irish Health Behaviour in School-Aged Children (HBSC) Study 2010
Vigorous exercise ≥ 4 times/week – Middle Childhood Study
Overall, 70% of 3rd and 4th class children report exercising four or more times a week, with
statistically significant gender differences (72% of boys and 67% of girls). There are no
statistically significant differences across social class groups. The proportion of children who
report exercising four or more times a week remains stable from 2006 (72% in 2006).
Figure 48: Percentages of 9 year old boys and girls who report participating in vigorous
exercise four or more times per week
80
76 74 74
73 74
70
72
69 70 71
69
65 66
60
50
SC1-2 2010
SC3-4 2010
SC5-6 2010
(%) 40
30
20
10
0
Boys
Girls
Gender
42
SC1-2 2006
SC3-4 2006
SC5-6 2006
Exercise and Physical Activity
Physical inactivity
Overall, 9% of children report participating in vigorous exercise less than weekly. There are
statistically significant differences by gender, age group and social class. Overall 6% of boys
report participating in vigorous exercise less than weekly compared to 13% of girls. Older
children and children from lower social class groups are more likely to report participating in
vigorous exercise less than weekly compared to younger children and those from other social
class groups, respectively. The proportion of children who report being inactive remains
stable from 2006 (10% in 2006).
Figure 49: Percentages of boys who report participating in vigorous exercise less than
weekly
30
SC1-2 2006
SC3-4 2006
SC5-6 2006
20
SC1-2 2010
SC3-4 2010
SC5-6 2010
(%)
11
10
9
6 6
0
4
5
5
3
10-11
4 4
4 4
5
7
9
9
6
12-14
Age Group (Years)
8
15-17
Figure 50: Percentages of girls who report participating in vigorous exercise less than
weekly
30
26
22
19
20
(%)
13
10
0
22 22
7
8
9
9
5
10-11
6
8
9
7
8
13
SC1-2 2006
SC3-4 2006
SC5-6 2006
SC1-2 2010
SC3-4 2010
SC5-6 2010
9
12-14
Age Group (Years)
15-17
43
The Irish Health Behaviour in School-Aged Children (HBSC) Study 2010
Physical inactivity - Middle Childhood Study
Overall, 7% of 3rd and 4th class children report participating in vigorous exercise less than
weekly with no statistically significant gender differences. Children from lower social class
groups are significantly more likely to report inactivity than those from other social class
groups. The proportion of children who report inactivity remains stable from 2006 (8% in
2006).
Figure 51: Percentages of 9 year old boys and girls who report participating in vigorous
exercise less than weekly
30
SC1-2 2006
SC3-4 2006
SC5-6 2006
20
SC1-2 2010
SC3-4 2010
SC5-6 2010
(%)
11
10
6
6
7
6
9
6
3
0
Boys
5
3
Girls
Gender
44
5
7
Exercise and Physical Activity
Physically active on 7 days in the last week
Overall, 25% of children report being physically active on 7 days in the last week. There are
statistically significant differences by gender, age group and social class. Overall, 31% of boys
report being physically active on 7 days in the last week compared to 18% of girls. Younger
children are more likely to report being physically active on seven days in the last week
compared to older children. Overall, the proportion of children who report being physically
active on 7 days in the last week remains stable from 2006 (27% in 2006).
Figure 52: Percentages of boys who report being physically active on 7 days in the last week
70
60
50
(%)
53
SC1-2 2006
SC3-4 2006
SC5-6 2006
50
44
41
40
44
38
39 38 37
31
30
SC1-2 2010
SC3-4 2010
SC5-6 2010
34 34
22 22 24
20
24 23
20
10
0
10-11
12-14
Age Group (Years)
15-17
Figure 53: Percentages of girls who report being physically active on 7 days in the last week
70
SC1-2 2006
SC3-4 2006
SC5-6 2006
60
50
(%)
40
30
41
SC1-2 2010
SC3-4 2010
SC5-6 2010
37
35 36
30 29
23 22 23
20
18
20 21
9 9 10
10
0
10-11
12-14
Age Group (Years)
9 9
13
15-17
45
The Irish Health Behaviour in School-Aged Children (HBSC) Study 2010
46
Self-care
Tooth-brushing
Children were asked to report how often they brush their teeth. Overall, 67% of children
report brushing their teeth more than once a day, with a further 27% brushing their teeth
once a day. There are statistically significant differences by gender and social class. Overall,
77% of girls compared to 59% of boys, and children in higher social class groups compared to
other social class groups, are more likely to report brushing their teeth more than once a day.
There are no statistically significant differences across age groups. The proportion of children
who report brushing their teeth more than once a day remains stable from 2006 (63% in
2006).
Figure 54: Percentages of boys who report brushing their teeth more than once a day
100
90
80
70
60
(%) 50
40
30
20
10
0
63
SC1-2 2006
SC3-4 2006
SC5-6 2006
69 70
56
60
55
52
10-11
50
54
60 60
54
57 55
12-14
Age Group (Years)
61
53
58
52
SC1-2 2010
SC3-4 2010
SC5-6 2010
15-17
Figure 55: Percentages of girls who report brushing their teeth more than once a day
100
90
80
70
60
(%) 50
40
30
20
10
0
75
66 64
73 72
10-11
68
73
68
72
77 77
73
78 79
74
80 80
76
SC1-2 2006
SC3-4 2006
SC5-6 2006
SC1-2 2010
SC3-4 2010
SC5-6 2010
12-14
Age Group (Years)
15-17
47
The Irish Health Behaviour in School-Aged Children (HBSC) Study 2010
Tooth-brushing – Middle Childhood Study
Overall, 66% of 3rd and 4th class children report brushing their teeth more than once a day.
There are statistically significant differences by gender with 69% of girls compared to 63% of
boys who report that they brush their teeth more than once a day. There are no statistically
significant differences across social class groups. The proportion of children who report
brushing their teeth more than once a day remains stable from 2006 (64% in 2006).
Figure 56: Percentages of 9 year old boys and girls who report brushing their teeth more
than once a day
100
90
80
70
60
(%) 50
40
30
20
10
0
61 59
70 69
63 63 65
72
66
SC1-2 2010
SC3-4 2010
SC5-6 2010
56
Boys
Girls
Gender
48
68
66
SC1-2 2006
SC3-4 2006
SC5-6 2006
Self Care
Seatbelt use
Children were asked to report how often they use a seatbelt when in a car. Overall, 81% of
children report always wearing a seatbelt when in a car. There are statistically significant
differences by gender and age group. Overall, 84% of girls compared to 79% of boys report
always wearing a seatbelt when in a car and younger children are more likely to report this
behaviour compared to older children. There are no statistically significant differences across
social class groups. Overall, the proportion of children who report always wearing a seatbelt
when in a car remains stable from 2006 (79% in 2006).
Figure 57: Percentages of boys who report always wearing a seatbelt
100
90
80
70
60
(%) 50
40
30
20
10
0
88 90
80
76
86
77
76 78 75
78 78 77
76 76 74
80 80 79
SC1-2 2006
SC3-4 2006
SC5-6 2006
SC1-2 2010
SC3-4 2010
SC5-6 2010
10-11
12-14
Age Group (Years)
15-17
Figure 58: Percentages of girls who report always wearing a seatbelt
100
90
80
70
60
(%) 50
40
30
20
10
0
89 88 90
88
92
87
81
82 84
84 84
80
81 83 83
84 84 84
SC1-2 2006
SC3-4 2006
SC5-6 2006
SC1-2 2010
SC3-4 2010
SC5-6 2010
10-11
12-14
Age Group (Years)
15-17
49
The Irish Health Behaviour in School-Aged Children (HBSC) Study 2010
Seatbelt use – Middle Childhood Study
Overall, 87% of 3rd and 4th class children report always wearing a seatbelt when in a car.
There are statistically significant differences by gender with 90% of girls compared to 85% of
boys who report always wearing a seatbelt when in a car. There are no statistically significant
differences across social class groups. Overall, the proportion of children who report always
wearing a seatbelt when in a car remains stable from 2006 (88% in 2006).
Figure 59: Percentages of 9 year old boys and girls who report always wearing a seatbelt
100
90
80
70
60
(%) 50
40
30
20
10
0
89 91 89
85 87 82
86 87 85
SC1-2 2006
SC3-4 2006
SC5-6 2006
SC1-2 2010
SC3-4 2010
SC5-6 2010
Boys
Girls
Gender
50
91 89 90
Injuries
Ever injured
Overall, 37% of children report being injured once or more in the last 12 months, and
requiring medical attention. There are statistically significant differences by gender and age
group. Overall, boys and older children, compared to girls and younger children respectively,
are more likely to report ever being injured. There are no statistically significant differences
across social class groups. There is an overall decrease in the proportion of children who
report being injured from 2006 (43% in 2006).
Figure 60: Percentages of boys who report ever being injured in the last 12 months
60
52 52 52
50
40
45 47
38
51
43 45
45 45
38
53
50
46
48
45
SC1-2 2006
SC3-4 2006
SC5-6 2006
40
SC1-2 2010
SC3-4 2010
SC5-6 2010
(%) 30
20
10
0
10-11
12-14
Age Group (Years)
15-17
Figure 61: Percentages of girls who report ever being injured in the last 12 months
60
SC1-2 2006
SC3-4 2006
SC5-6 2006
50
40
(%) 30
37
34
31 30
25 25 24
36 37
30 32 29
33 32
28
28
30 30
SC1-2 2010
SC3-4 2010
SC5-6 2010
20
10
0
10-11
12-14
Age Group (Years)
15-17
51
The Irish Health Behaviour in School-Aged Children (HBSC) Study 2010
Loss of activity due to injury
Children were further asked to report on how many days of activity they lost as a consequence
of their most severe injury, in the past year. Of those reporting an injury, 57% report that
they missed 3 or more days of usual activity due to injury. There are statistically significant
differences by gender and age group. Overall, 58% of boys compared to 50% of girls report
that they missed 3 or more days of activity due to injury and older children are significantly
more likely to report missing 3 or more days compared to younger children. There are no
statistically significant differences across social class groups. The proportion of children who
lost 3 or more days of activity due to injury remains stable from 2006 (56%).
Figure 62: Percentages of boys who report that they have missed 3 or more days of usual
activities due to injury in the last year
80
70
60
50
54
46
53
57 55
58 56 58
59 57
55
56
61
64
62 63
67
SC1-2 2006
SC3-4 2006
SC5-6 2006
SC1-2 2010
SC3-4 2010
SC5-6 2010
44
(%) 40
30
20
10
0
10-11
12-14
Age Group (Years)
15-17
Figure 63: Percentages of girls who report that they have missed 3 or more days of usual
activities due to injury in the last year
80
70
60
53
50
(%) 40
42 44
52
49
43
57
49 48
48 47
45
61
60 60
47
33
30
20
10
0
52
10-11
12-14
Age Group (Years)
SC1-2 2006
SC3-4 2006
SC5-6 2006
15-17
52
SC1-2 2010
SC3-4 2010
SC5-6 2010
Physical Fighting and Bullying
Physical fight
Children were asked if they had been in a physical fight in the last 12 months. Overall, 35% of
children report having been in a physical fight during the last 12 months. Gender and social
class differences are statistically significant. Overall, boys (48%) compared to girls (20%),
and children from lower social classes compared to other social class groups, are significantly
more likely to report fighting. There are no statistically significant differences across age
groups. Overall, the proportion of children who report being in a physical fight remains stable
from 2006 (38% in 2006).
Figure 64: Percentages of boys who report ever being in a physical fight in the last 12
months
70
60
50
(%)
54 56 56
51 51
49 48 47
53
49 47 49
48
44 44
42
40
52
SC1-2 2006
SC3-4 2006
SC5-6 2006
SC1-2 2010
SC3-4 2010
SC5-6 2010
36
30
20
10
0
10-11
12-14
Age Group (Years)
15-17
Figure 65: Percentages of girls who report ever being in a physical fight in the last 12
months
70
SC1-2 2006
SC3-4 2006
SC5-6 2006
60
50
(%)
SC1-2 2010
SC3-4 2010
SC5-6 2010
40
30
20
17
21
26 26
24
13
17 15
20
17
22 20
26 27
21
24
18
21
10
0
10-11
12-14
Age Group (Years)
15-17
53
The Irish Health Behaviour in School-Aged Children (HBSC) Study 2010
Being bullied
Children were asked to report how often they have been bullied in school in the past couple of
months. Overall, 24% of children report ever being bullied. There are statistically significant
differences by gender and age group. Overall, 26% of boys report ever being bullied compared
to 23% of girls and younger children are more likely to report ever being bullied compared
to older children. There are no statistically significant social class differences. Overall, the
proportion of children who report ever being bullied remains unchanged from 2006 (24% in
2006).
Figure 66: Percentages of boys who report ever being bullied in the past couple of
months
50
SC1-2 2006
SC3-4 2006
SC5-6 2006
40
30
32
29 30
(%)
28
21
20
31
27
30
23
27
25 26
28
22 21 23
24
22
SC1-2 2010
SC3-4 2010
SC5-6 2010
10
0
10-11
12-14
Age Group (Years)
15-17
Figure 67: Percentages of girls who report ever being bullied in the past couple of
months
50
SC1-2 2006
SC3-4 2006
SC5-6 2006
40
30
29
31
33
28
(%)
30
23
25
22
24
23 24
27
20
21
19 18
22
16
10
0
54
10-11
12-14
Age Group (Years)
15-17
18
SC1-2 2010
SC3-4 2010
SC5-6 2010
Physical Fighting and Bullying
Being bullied – Middle Childhood Study
Overall, 37% of 3rd and 4th class children report ever being bullied in school in the past couple
of months. There are no statistically significant differences across gender and social class
groups. The proportion of children who report ever being bullied remains unchanged from
2006 (37% in 2006).
Figure 68: Percentages of 9 year old boys and girls who report ever being bullied in the
past couple of months
50
40
38 38
40
33
37
36
32
40
35 36
38
35
SC1-2 2006
SC3-4 2006
SC5-6 2006
SC1-2 2010
SC3-4 2010
SC5-6 2010
30
(%)
20
10
0
Boys
Girls
Gender
55
The Irish Health Behaviour in School-Aged Children (HBSC) Study 2010
Bullied others
Children were also asked to report how often they took part in bullying another student at
school in the past couple of months. Overall, 17% of children report ever bullying others at
school. Gender and age group differences are statistically significant with more boys than girls
reporting that they have bullied others (22% and 10% respectively) and older children more
likely to report bullying others than younger children. There are no statistically significant
differences across social class groups. There is a decrease in the proportion of children who
report bullying others from 2006 (22% in 2006).
Figure 69: Percentages of boys who report ever bullying others in the past couple of months
50
40
30
(%)
21
21
20
30
29 29 29
27
15
32
SC1-2 2006
SC3-4 2006
SC5-6 2006
35
24 23 25
21 21 20
SC1-2 2010
SC3-4 2010
SC5-6 2010
15 15
10
0
10-11
12-14
Age Group (Years)
15-17
Figure 70: Percentages of girls who report ever bullying others in the past couple of months
50
SC1-2 2006
SC3-4 2006
SC5-6 2006
40
SC1-2 2010
SC3-4 2010
SC5-6 2010
30
(%)
20
10
0
56
15
11
12
10 9 9
10-11
12
16 15
11 10
9
12-14
Age Group (Years)
12
14
11
8
15-17
10 9
Sexual Health Behaviours
Children aged 15-17 years old were asked several questions about their sexual health
behaviours. They were asked about engaging in sexual intercourse and use of the birth control
pill and condoms as methods of contraception at last intercourse.
Sexual Activity
Overall, 27% of 15-17 year olds report that they have ever had sex. There are statistically
significant differences by gender and social class. Overall, boys are more likely than girls to
report ever having sex (31% and 23% respectively), as are those from lower social class groups.
Figure 71: Percentages of 15–17 year olds who report having ever had sex, by gender
40
32
30
30
26
25
(%) 20
28
SC1-2 2010
SC3-4 2010
SC5-6 2010
18
10
0
Boys
Girls
Gender
57
The Irish Health Behaviour in School-Aged Children (HBSC) Study 2010
Use of birth control pill
Of those who report ever having had sex, 59% report that they used the birth control pill as a
form of contraceptive at last intercourse. Gender differences are statistically significant with
girls more likely to report using the birth control pill as a form of contraceptive than boys.
There are no statistically significant differences across social class groups.
Figure 72: Percentages of 15–17 year olds who report using the birth control pill, by
gender (of those who have ever had sex).
100
90
80
70
60
(%) 50
40
30
20
10
0
72
68
57
SC1-2 2010
SC3-4 2010
SC5-6 2010
61
51
39
Boys
Girls
Gender
Condom use
Of those who report ever having had sex, 93% report that they used condoms as a form of contraceptive
at last intercourse. There are no statistically significant differences by gender or social class.
Figure 73: 15–17 year olds who report using condoms, by gender (of those who have ever
had sex)
100
90
80
70
60
(%) 50
40
30
20
10
0
94
92
98
97
Boys
Girls
Gender
58
94
93
SC1-2 2010
SC3-4 2010
SC5-6 2010
Appendix
Demographic Representativeness of Respondents: HBSC 2010 Survey
The gender breakdown of the HBSC 2010 participants revealed that 51% were male and 49%
were female. Those who participated were compared to data from the 2006 census for region
and social class. Table 2 presents the final numbers for each geographical region and the
percentage of the total sample that this represents. The sixth column presents the percentages
of 7-11 year olds recorded in the regions during the 2006 census. The data are representative
of the population distribution across regions with slight variations from the 2006 census.
Table 2:
Comparison of the location of 2006 and 2002 HBSC respondents to the 2006
census
n
Health Board
HBSC 2006
Area
East
3055
North East
633
South East
1646
North West
704
South
1450
Mid West
914
West
1427
Midlands
395
%
HBSC 2010
HBSC 2006
3869
753
919
665
2760
1155
947
1132
30
6
16
7
14
9
14
4
%
HBSC 2010 Census 2006
32
6
8
6
23
10
8
9
33
10
12
6
15
9
10
7
In addition social class was compared with those presented in the 2006 census, as shown in
Table 3. It should be noted that slight variations would be expected here because the census
reports all persons by social class, not all of whom would be parents or guardians of children
in these age groups.
Table 3:
Comparison of the social class of 2006 and 2010 HBSC respondents to the
2006 census
Social Class
Professional
Managerial
Non-manual
Skilled manual
Semi-skilled
Unskilled
Unclassifiable
Unknown
HBSC 2006 (%)
4
23
8
29
11
5
20
HBSC 2010 (%)
7
30
13
21
10
2
1
16
Census 2006 (%)
7
26
17
17
11
4
18
59
The Irish Health Behaviour in School-Aged Children (HBSC) Study 2010
Table 4 below presents the percentages of HBSC respondents across gender, age group and
social class.
Table 4: Distribution of 2006 and 2010 HBSC respondents by gender, age group and
social class
SC 1-2 (%)
HBSC HBSC
2006
2010
BOYS
10-11
years
12-14
years
15-17
years
GIRLS
10-11
years
12-14
years
15-17
years
SC 3-4 (%)
HBSC HBSC
2006
2010
SC 5-6 (%)
HBSC HBSC
2006
2010
n
HBSC
2006
HBSC
2010
26
41
53
44
21
15
498
644
33
41
47
44
20
14
2184
2557
36
46
43
40
20
14
1801
1953
24
39
51
46
26
15
713
687
31
43
47
43
23
15
2064
2464
37
48
43
37
21
15
1665
1832
Middle Childhood Study
Table 5:
Comparison of the location of 2006 and 2010 HBSC respondents to the 2006
census
n
Health Board
Area
East
North East
South East
North West
South
Mid West
West
Midlands
60
%
%
Middle
Middle
Middle
Middle
Childhood
Childhood
Childhood
Childhood Census 2006
Survey 2006 Survey 2010 Survey 2006 Survey 2010
1313
974
39
39
33
189
154
6
6
10
542
160
16
6
11
136
166
4
7
6
470
419
14
17
14
225
163
7
7
9
363
177
11
7
9
116
261
4
11
7
Appendix
Table 6:
Comparison of the social class of 2006 and 2010 HBSC respondents to the
2006 census
Social Class
Professional
Managerial
Non-manual
Skilled manual
Semi-skilled
Unskilled
Unclassifiable
Unknown
Table 7:
HBSC 2006 (%)
6
20
14
21
21
4
14
Census 2006 (%)
7
26
17
17
11
4
18
Distribution of 2006 and 2010 HBSC respondents by gender and social class
SC 1-2 (%)
HBSC HBSC
2006
2010
BOYS
9 year
olds
GIRLS
9 year
olds
HBSC 2010 (%)
6
23
13.5
20
14.5
2
2.5
18
SC 3-4 (%)
HBSC HBSC
2006
2010
SC 5-6 (%)
HBSC HBSC
2006
2010
n
HBSC
2006
HBSC
2010
32
36
39
44
29
20
1490
921
27
37
43
40
30
23
1435
1035
61
Project Team
Health Promotion Research Centre, National University of Ireland,
Galway
Dr Saoirse Nic Gabhainn
Dr Michal Molcho
Dr Colette Kelly
Ms Aoife Gavin
Ms Natasha Clarke
Ms Katie Murphy
Dr Amanda Fitzgerald
Dr Siobhan O’Higgins
Ms Larri Walker
Ms Christina Costello
Dr Viv Batt
Principal Investigator, HBSC Ireland
Deputy Principal Investigator, HBSC Ireland
Project Manager/Senior Researcher, HBSC Ireland
Researcher
Researcher
Researcher
Researcher
Researcher
Research Assistant
Administrative Support
Administrative Director
Advisory Committee
Mr Robbie Breen
Ms Annemarie Brooks
Mr Seán Denyer
Dr John Devlin
Dr Sinead Hanafin
Mr Hugh Magee
Mr Liam McCormack
Mr Shay McGovern
Dr Brian Neeson
Ms Ursula O’Dwyer
Dr Stephanie O’Keefe
Ms Biddy O’Neill
Ms Claire O’Reilly
62
Department of Health
Department of Children and Youth Affairs
Health Service Executive
Department of Health
Department of Health / Children and Youth Affairs
Department of Health
Department of Health
Department of Health
Health Service Executive
Department of Health
Crisis Pregnancy Agency
Health Service Executive
Department of Health
Acknowledgements
The parents and children who consented and participated.
The Management Authorities, Principals and Teachers in all schools who participated.
International Co-ordinator: Prof Candace Currie, University of St. Andrews, Scotland.
International Databank Manager: Prof Oddrun Samdal, University of Bergen, Norway.
The Department of Health; The Department of Children and Youth Affairs; The Department
of Education and Science
We would also like to thank Gail Cummins, Emiliano Curetti, Priscilla Doyle, Marie
Galvin, Yetunde John-Akinola, Samantha Loughrey, Amy Magill, Peter Manley, Joe Mullen,
Christina Murphy, Geraldine Nolan, Brían O’Connor, Ronan O’Connor, Ailbhe Spillane,
Susan Spillane, Aisling Walsh and all other NUI Galway staff and services.
Data Entry: e-Celtic, Co. Dublin and Larri Walker.
Design and layout: Rob Smyth.
63
64