NI people mentally 'affected by 'Troubles'

A new survey has found that the mental health of people across Northern Ireland has been significantly affected by the 'Troubles' over the past 30 years.

The survey, published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health on Tuesday, questioned nearly 1,700 people aged between 16 and 64.

The effects of the Troubles on people's lives was based on the responses to two survey questions; one asking about the impact on respondent’s area; the second about the impact on the life of the respondent or their family.

Figures showed that 21% of respondents said that the Troubles had either “quite a bit” or “a lot” of impact on their lives or the lives of their families and 25% reported a similar impact on their area of residence.

Other factors such as religious affiliation, income, long-term illness, stress and available social support were also considered during the questionnaire.

The figures were compiled from analysis of data collected as part of the Northern Ireland Health and Wellbeing Survey.

(MB)