The Mayne Island Health Centre Association (MIHCA) has been in existence for almost 40 years. Managed by a local board of directors, the association has the following objectives:
– To participate in the formulation of objectives, priorities and programming of services
– To be active in achieving an integrated system of health, with all its related services.
In 2007, MIHCA conducted a survey to find out about the health status of Mayne islanders and the health related issues that are of greatest concern to them. Recently MIHCA decided to do a new survey in order to:
a) find out how the health of our community has changed over time and
b) ensure that MIHCA’s activities and advocacy are focused on issues that matter to islanders.
Although similar to the 2007 survey, the 2016 survey included a few changes/additions to improve the detail and quality of the data. The survey was administered in on-line (through Survey Monkey) and paper format in September and October, 2016. To ensure confidentiality, the “Anonymous” function was set on Survey Monkey and IP addresses were not collected. 333 individuals responded to the survey, with the majority submitting their responses online. Volunteer MICHA board members entered data from the paper version of the survey into the Survey Monkey database and an analysis was performed.
The overall number of respondents constitutes a valid sample with a better than 95% confidence level and 5% margin of error. However, comparison of the distribution of responses across age groups shows that the 20-45 age groups were not well sampled.
While the overall population statistics from the 2016 Census have now been released, distribution by age and gender data will not be released until May, 2017. At that time, further analysis of the data will take place and a detailed report will be released.
In the meantime, we wanted to report our preliminary findings to the community, without further ado!
Thank you to all who participated in the 2016 Health Survey.
SUMMARY OF FINDINGS
When results of the 2007 and 2016 survey and other available statistics are compared, it appears that overall, the self-reported physical and mental health status of Mayne Islanders has not changed significantly and is not dissimilar to that of the South Vancouver Island Health delivery area and the rest of BC.
It appears that the use of health services has increased with more respondents indicating that they are accessing services at the Mayne Island Health Centre, off-island clinics and Hospital Emergency facilities.
The reported rates of some diseases (such as asthma) and elevated blood pressure and cholesterol levels are higher on Mayne Island than in other areas in BC. This is likely due to the high response rate from individuals over the age of 65.
While the actual percentages are not high, significant numbers of islanders noted that they are facing issues related to mobility, loss of vision and loss of hearing.
In large part, it appears that islanders are paying attention to their health – seeking medical help when indicated and keeping immunizations current.
The majority of those who need assistance to live independently are able to access this; however some respondents commented on issues of availability/affordability.
There is a high level of volunteerism, particularly among the 65-74 year-old age group.
While many respondents to the 2016 survey expressed appreciation of the existing services, the survey results show that increased access to on-island medical care is their top priority.
CONCLUSION
It appears that generally, Mayne Islanders are as healthy today as they were in 2007. However, the demand for services is increasing. Considering our aging population, this is not unexpected.
While the MIHCA is not a funding body, we can and will use the results of the survey for planning and prioritizing at the local level with health care providers and associated organizations such as Mayne Island Assisted Living – and at higher levels within Island Health, to advocate for increased services.
FINDINGS
Self-rated health of Mayne Islanders
15% of respondents rated their physical health as excellent; 74% as either very good or good
26% of respondents rated their mental health as excellent; 69% as either very good or good. However, 51% indicated they suffer from issues related to their mental health — chiefly stress, anxiety and/or depression.
These results were similar to those of the 2007 survey.
Health Service Usage
Over the past year, 79% of respondents visited the Health Centre; 25% an off-island physician; 20% a walk-in clinic; 22% Hospital Emergency; 16% an alternative health care provider and 39% an off-island specialist. It was noted that in comparison to the 2007 survey:
– A higher percentage of respondents attended hospital Emergency facilities
– The percentage of full-time residents who attended an off-island physician has decreased by 7%, while the percentage of full-time residents who attend the Mayne Island Health Centre has increased slightly.
– The percentage of full-time residents attending walk-in clinics has increased
Overall, the results were similar to those of the 2007 survey.
Issues affecting the health of Mayne Islanders
71% of respondents reported a diagnosis of one or more health conditions — about the same percentage as in 2007. Chief among these diagnoses were high blood pressure, high cholesterol, asthma and arthritis. The asthma rate and the rate of high blood pressure have increased since 2007. Cancer rates remain the same (17% of respondents).
17 % of respondents (55 individuals) have conditions that affect their mobility, — about the same level as in 2007.
8% of all respondents (25 individuals) reported that their quality of life is impacted by a loss of hearing or vision.
Once again, the overall results were similar to those of the 2007 survey.
Health related activity
86% of respondents have had a health check-up or visited a doctor over the past year and 55% get an annual flu shot, compared to 30% in 2007.
71% of parents reported that their children’s immunizations are up-to-date
67% of respondents reported having enough social support in the community, compared to 79% in 2007.
These results will be subjected to further analysis when the 2016 Census data by age group is released.
Community Supports
50% of respondents reported that they require help to live independently:
– 49% hire people to help them
– 18% access Home Support
– 40% access Mayne Island Assisted Living
– 67% get help from family and friends
13% of respondents reported having difficulty accessing the help they needed; primarily because of a lack of availability and to a lesser extent because of affordability.
92% of all respondents reported that they volunteer in the community, including 75% of seniors age 65-74.
Potential for enhanced seniors’ services
Of respondents over the age of 65:
– 76% would like seniors’ housing
– 33% would like a drop-in centre
– 17% would like a weekly lunch program
Respondents’ Priorities
Survey respondents were asked to identify what they believe to be the 3 most important health care issues for Mayne Island to address over the next three years – in order of importance. 71% of all survey participants responded.
– Respondents identified the top priority as increased Physician and Nurse Practitioner coverage
– The second priority incorporated a broader range of health services (increased lab services and hours, on-island access to intravenous antibiotics, ECG capability, etc.)
– The third priority was identified as increased support for the elderly.
Other priorities included (and are not limited to) a range of issues related to emergency services, a focus on mental health, seniors’ housing and home support. More details will be provided in the final report on the survey.
Overall, 35% of all respondents to the 2016 survey identified increased physician/nurse practitioner coverage as their #1 priority, compared to 22% of all respondents in the 2007 survey.