World Cup's Impact on Mental Health and Lifestyle Behaviors in the General Population: Comparing Results of 2 Serial Population-Based Surveys. (March 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lau, Joseph Tai Fai; Tsui, Hi Yi; Mo, Phoenix Kit Han; Mak, Winnie Wing Sze; Griffiths, Sian
• Is Part Of: Asia-Pacific journal of public health. Volume 27:Number 2(2015:Mar.)
• Page Start: NP1973
• Page End: NP1984
• Publication Date: 2015-03
• Subjects: alcohol -- mental health -- sport -- China -- World Cup; Public health -- Pacific Area -- Periodicals; Public health -- Asia -- Periodicals; 362.1095
• DOI: 10.1177/1010539513485784
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1010-5395

Abstract

Objectives. This study compares the prevalence of health-related behaviors and mental health well-being in the Hong Kong general male population before and after the 2006 World Cup finals. Study design. Two anonymous, serial, comparable cross-sectional surveys. Methods . A total of 500 and 530 adult Chinese men, respectively, were interviewed in 2 telephone surveys before and after the finals. Results. Those interviewed after the World Cup were more likely to eat snacks more than 3 d/wk, to be binge drinkers, or to spend more than 2 h/d communicating with family members. They were less likely to have higher General Health Questionnaire or lower Short Form-36 Health Survey Vitality scores (odds ratio [OR] = 0.684 and 0.765), to perceive family-related or work-related stress (OR = 0.327 and 0.345), or to self-report being sick or have visited a doctor (OR = 0.645 and 0.722). All variables between watchers versus nonwatchers of World Cup games were significant or marginally significant. Conclusions. Public health education should be incorporated into global sport events.