Press release: Investment in education vital for a healthy population - 4 November 2008

4 Nov 2008

Institute of Public Health Review Highlights Impact of Education on Health

The strong link between education level and health was highlighted today in a comprehensive review of the impact of education on health, carried out by the Institute of Public Health in Ireland (IPH). 

The publication, Health Impacts of Education: a Review, draws on a substantial body of international evidence which clearly shows that those with lower levels of education are more likely to die at a younger age and are at an increased risk of poorer health throughout life than those with more education. The findings include:

  • Low education level is associated with increased risk of death from lung cancer, stroke, cardiovascular disease and infectious diseases.
  • Associations have also been found between education and a range of illnesses including back pain, diabetes, asthma, dementia and depression.
  • Improving educational outcomes amongst the most disadvantaged groups has the potential to make a positive impact on health inequalities.                                              
  • Those with higher levels of education are likely to consume more fruit, vegetables and fibre and less fat than those with less education.
  • Those with higher levels of education are less likely to smoke and more likely to quit if they do.
  • Those with more years of education are more likely to be employed, which is better for health than being unemployed.
IPH Chief Executive, Dr. Jane Wilde, said:
 
“A strong positive relationship exists between education and health outcomes whether measured by death rates, illness, health behaviours or health knowledge. If our goal is to create equality and fairness for all members of society, then we need to invest at the earliest possible age. Funding needs to be channelled particularly to those who are most vulnerable.”
 
The report found that targeting literacy and early school leaving provide particularly effective ways in which education policy can improve health.
 
Dr. Wilde continued: “While it is clear that education benefits health, such benefits do not accrue equally to all population groups in society. A growing body of evidence documents the link between education and health inequalities. This review shows that young people from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds and young people from some ethnic groups are less likely to gain health benefits from education.
 
“Given the strong links between education and health, it is important that policies in these areas are not looked at in isolation. Instead, a systematic and coordinated approach should be taken by the relevant government departments. By applying procedures such as Health Impact Assessment to policy-making, departments can be supported in making better decisions for better health,” she said.
 
IPH Associate Director and report co-author Owen Metcalfe said:
 
“In simple terms this report tells us that the more educated you are the less likely you are to smoke; the more likely you are to quit if you do; the more likely you are to have a balanced diet; and the more likely you are to join clubs, societies and play sport, all of which are good for your health.”
 
Mr. Metcalfe concluded: “This review shows that early education intervention is the key. Greater levels of education, particularly at an early stage, can lead to improved chances of finding secure, well paid employment, with subsequent health benefits. There is also a greater likelihood of developing knowledge, attitudes and behaviours conducive to good health.”
 
The review also highlighted the benefits of all island cooperation and cross Departmental working through the relevant departments of Health and Education within Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland coordinating responses and learnings at a policy level.
 
“Cross departmental approaches can provide better policy, better education, better health and more productive economies,” the report stated.
 
Ends
 
Further Information
 
Institute of Public Health
 
Republic of Ireland
Arlene McKay, IPH Communications Officer: +44 (0)28 90648494 or +44 (0)7734 903944
 
Northern Ireland
Gráinne Walsh, Stratagem: 028 908 72800 or 0792 016 5600.
 
NOTES TO EDITORS:
 
The Institute of Public Health in Ireland
The Institute of Public Health in Ireland (IPH) was established to promote cooperation for public health across the island of Ireland. It aims to improve health by working to combat health inequalities and influence public policy in favour of health. Further information can be found at www.publichealth.ie.
 
One of the objectives of IPH is to provide clearly interpretable, easily accessible information on public health. In recognition that health is determined by social, economic and environmental circumstances, the IPH has previously produced review documents focusing on the health impacts of transport, the health impacts of employment and the health impacts of the built environment.
 
 
This review is the fourth in the series and illustrates how education impacts on health. It shows how education influences health through a range of interconnecting pathways and identifies the ways in which social, economic and cultural differences within the population impact on the experience of and outcomes from education with subsequent implications for health.
 
This document is aimed at a wide audience, including policy-makers and practitioners in health and education and those working in the community. The Institute hopes that it will help inform debate about the links between education and health and be a useful resource for those working to influence public policy for health at local and national level across the island.
 
The publication pulls together a series of research and data compiled over forty years from national and international sources. Findings from the research show that access to and participation in the education system are prerequisites to achieving the health benefits that education can provide.
 
Note to Editors: What is Health Impact Assessment?
Health Impact Assessment or HIA, is a combination of procedures, methods and tools by which a policy, programme or project may be judged as to its potential effects on the health of a population and the distribution of those effects within the population.’
 

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Institute of Public Health in Ireland, 2011