My training and experience in epidemiology tell me surveys are fascinating. Notably their results can be influenced by many factors. One important factor’s the wording of questions. So even though a survey may be conducted by an ‘independent’ surveyor commissioned by the organisation seeking information, the survey’s wording may ensure the result sought. I thought of this recently reading this item reporting the results of the 2009 edition of the annual survey commissioned by Lifeline Australia, carried out by Newspoll, and analysed by Orima Research. It found that 87% of people in Australia report being stressed, 41% unhealthily so. The number one stressor was work – 75% of working people reported it, including 17% who were very stressed. The health sector has the highest stress prevalence [1]. The next most frequent stressors were finances, thoughts about the future, health, and personal relationships. Women were more stressed than men, city more than country dwellers, high more than low earners, and singles more than couples. The good news is that the 87% figure is down from 91% in 2008. All of this may be valid. But I can't but wonder if it’s a lever to ensure Lifeline’s funding. I’d sure like to see the survey’s questions. Ho hum.
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