Title: A study into health, lifestyle and the perception of Osteopathy within the community of the City and district of St Albans, Hertfordshire

Andy Clayson                                                                        Supervisor: Robin Kirk

Abstract: The study investigates health, lifestyle and the perception of osteopathy from randomly selected participants of leisure and arts facilities in St Albans, Hertfordshire. The study population was comprised of 112 adults (59 male and 53 female) aged between 20 and 60 plus. Each participant completed a questionnaire to ascertain some key health lifestyle indicators and identify their perception of osteopathy. The lifestyle indicators used were physical activity, diet (fruit/vegetable intake), alcohol consumption and whether the participants smoked. Department of health guidelines were used to interpret this information. The data obtained was analysed through Microsoft Excel; statistical analysis was carried out through Graphpad Instat. Results showed that 78% of the participants subjectively perceived their health as good or very good. General awareness of osteopathy was identified by 88% of participants. The study identified 23% of the population as having previously visited an osteopath. Osteopathy was seen as the first choice practitioner for back pain with 37% of the sample population agreeing. Physiotherapy was seen as the first choice practitioner for joint or muscular injury with 59% of the population concurring. Lifestyle factors were analysed individually and correlated with the perception of osteopathy. Participants consumed 5 pieces of fruit/vegetables on average 4.1 days per week. Physical activity of 30 minutes was carried out on average 3.9 days per week. Alcohol consumption was 88% for men and 89% for women smokers comprised 29% of the male and 30% of the female population. Participants adhering to the individual healthy lifestyle indicators identified in statistically greater numbers their belief for the amount of conditions osteopathy was suitable for.