The Department of Health (DH) today (December 28) released the Report of Population Health Survey (PHS) 2020-22 (Part I), which is the third territory-wide population health survey, presenting the health status and health-related behaviours and practices of the general population of Hong Kong.
 
     Conducted between November 2020 and January 2022, the PHS 2020-22 interviewed more than 16 000 land-based non-institutional persons aged 15 or above from more than 7 400 domestic households in Hong Kong. Part I of the PHS 2020-22 presents findings on household interviews.
 
     The PHS found that certain unhealthy but modifiable lifestyle practices are very common in Hong Kong. Regarding physical activity participation, about one quarter of persons aged 18 or above performed insufficient level of physical activities (i.e. did not meet the World Health Organization recommendation of at least 150 to 300 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity, or 75 to 150 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity, or an equivalent combination of moderate- and vigorous-intensity physical activity per week). Among persons aged 15 or above, 14.4 per cent reported that they have ever smoked, 2.0 per cent had binge drinking (i.e. drinking at least five cans of beers, five glasses of table wines or five pegs of spirits on one occasion) at least monthly, and about 98 per cent of them reported inadequate intake (i.e. an average of less than five servings) of fruit and vegetables per day.
 
     In comparing the relevant health behavioural risk factors between the second (PHS 2014/15) and the third PHS, a significant increase in the prevalence of physical inactivity is observed, possibly partly related to the COVID-19 pandemic and social distancing measures in place during the study period.
 
     The Part 1 report findings also showed some doctor-diagnosed major non-communicable diseases (NCDs) as reported by the respondents remained prevalent in the general population, such as hypertension (19.5 per cent), high blood cholesterol (15.0 per cent) and diabetes mellitus (6.9 per cent).
 
     In terms of preventive health practices, a significant proportion of eligible persons had not conducted evidence-based screening as recommended by the Cancer Expert Working Group on Cancer Prevention and Screening under the Cancer Coordinating Committee. For persons aged 50 to 75, only around 42.6 per cent reported that they had ever had colorectal cancer screening (faecal occult blood test or colonoscopy). Also, more than a half of women aged 25 to 64 reported that they had ever had cervical screening, and about 40 per cent of women aged 44 to 69 had ever received mammography for breast cancer screening.
 
     "For prevention of NCDs including cancer, members of the public should lead a healthy lifestyle, such as maintaining sufficient physical activity, having a balanced diet (including adequate consumption of fruit and vegetables), keeping a healthy body weight, no smoking and avoiding alcohol consumption. Persons with chronic diseases should maintain regular follow-up by healthcare professionals and seek medical advice when necessary for prompt detection and timely management. Eligible persons are also urged to consider cancer screening as soon as possible. They can consult a doctor about the latest recommendations on cancer screening and regular health assessment," a spokesman for the DH said.
 
     Successful prevention and control of NCDs rely on collaborative efforts of various stakeholders from different sectors of society. The DH will continue to work with relevant government bureaux and departments and the public health community to engage the general public in adopting a healthy lifestyle.
 
     For access to the Report and more information, please visit the website of the CHP (www.chp.gov.hk/en/features/37474.html).

Ends/Wednesday, December 28, 2022
Issued at HKT 15:15

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