Stark health inequalities in Brighton & Hove highlighted by university research

The Health Counts 2024 survey is the largest ever carried out in the city, having a weighted sample of 16,729 people. Conducted once every ten years, the Brighton and Hove City Council survey explores health issues, lifestyle factors, and community wellbeing. 

Participants answered questions on general health, mental wellbeing, physical activity, substance use, housing conditions, and social interactions. For the first time, the survey also included new areas such as gambling harm, suicidal thoughts, experiences of harassment, access to nature, and the impact of the rising cost of living. 

Professor Nigel Sherriff, project lead and Professor of Public Health and Health Promotion at the University of Brighton, said, "Including questions on gambling-related harm in the 2024 Health Counts survey marks an important step in understanding the full scope of factors affecting our community’s wellbeing. Gambling harm is a complex and often hidden issue that can significantly impact individuals and families, contributing to financial, emotional, and social difficulties. 

By gathering this data alongside other health and lifestyle factors, we can better identify where support is needed and work collaboratively to reduce harm and promote healthier, more resilient communities across Brighton & Hove." 

Professor Rusi Jaspal, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research and Knowledge Exchange) at the University of Brighton, added, “This vital research demonstrates the contribution universities can make, working with local communities and organisations to create positive social change. By highlighting these inequalities, partners can focus clearly on supporting and empowering communities across Brighton & Hove, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to lead a healthy and fulfilling life." 

Key findings from the survey include:

• 69% perceived themselves to be in good, very good, or excellent health.

• 24% recorded a low happiness score, and 9% have self-harmed in the last 12 months.

• 16% binge drink weekly, and 2% drink daily or almost daily, while 56% don’t drink alcohol or drink at low risk levels.

• 20% have taken drugs not prescribed for them and not available at a chemist or pharmacy in the last 12 months.
• 19% who gamble experience at least one gambling-related harm.

The study also revealed significant differences between areas of the city:

• 56% of adults living in the most deprived areas are in good or better health compared to 76% in the least deprived areas.

• Smoking rates are nearly three times higher in deprived areas (25%) compared to the least deprived (9%).

The evidence gathered will inform local health strategies, helping community and NHS organisations tailor their support to where it is most needed. 

Dr Lester Coleman from Healthwatch Brighton and Hove added: “The evidence provided by Health Counts is of extreme value to the Council and all partners who are working towards implementing Integrated Care Teams and Neighbourhood Health Teams, which will both respond to local population needs. The user testing which we led (involving diverse communities) contributed to a survey that generated an exceptional number of respondents across the city.

Healthwatch Brighton and Hove will use the findings from Health Counts to support our engagement work, planning and constructive challenge to health and social care services.”

The study also discovered significant differences from previous census data, revealing a higher-than-expected proportion of the city's population identifying as trans, non-binary, or intersex (5%) and LGBQ+ (28%).

Caroline Vass, Director of Public Health for Brighton & Hove City Council, said, “This research demonstrates the power of working collaboratively with academic research and health and wellbeing organisations to reach communities and involve residents in developing local strategies.

“We are committed, alongside our partners in the NHS and community and voluntary sector, to use this deeper understanding to maintain and improve health and wellbeing for everyone across our city and tackle inequalities.

We are incredibly grateful to everyone in the city who completed the survey. By sharing information about your health and wellbeing, you can change how local services are provided. We would also like to thank all our partners, community groups, and volunteers who were involved in leading this work. By working together to gather evidence, we can create a healthier community for all.”

Health Counts 2024 was led by the University of Brighton, together with NHS Sussex, Healthwatch Brighton and Hove, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, and the Brighton and Hove Federation. The survey was funded by the public health team at Brighton & Hove City Council.