Health and lifestyle of general practitioners and teachers

Abstract

General practitioners (408) and secondary teachers (385) responded to a questionnaire about their health and lifestyle with a response rate of 48 and 45 per cent respectively. Their answers were corroborated by a separate questionnaire completed by their spouse or domestic partner. A sub-group of 50 general practitioners and 50 teachers were examined to assess their physical fitness and mental health. Half of each group was below average fitness compared to the general population. General practitioners were more likely than teachers to practise disease prevention. Ten per cent of general practitioners and 13 per cent of teachers were smokers; 8 per cent of general practitioners and 14 per cent of teachers reported an alcohol consumption that exceeded recommended limits. General practitioners took remarkably little sickness absence compared to teachers. Symptoms of anxiety and depression were more common in teachers: a need for alcohol, binge eating and sleep difficulties were frequently experienced in both groups. Medication taken by the two groups was similar and self-medication was common amongst the general practitioners. Less than half the general practitioners thought they would use an occupational health service if it were established.