Natsal | FAQs

FAQ: Study

How did you choose my address?

We select a random sample of addresses from the Postcode Address File. This list is held by the Post Office and is available to the public. This list only includes addresses; we do not have your name or phone number.

Why have I been chosen?

We need to talk to people from all parts of Britain, of different ages and from different walks of life. You can take part no matter what your background or experience is. We hope you will be willing to take part as your address has been specially chosen at random so we can't give your place to anyone else.

How do I take part in the study?

An interviewer will arrange to visit at a time and day that is convenient for you.

What does taking part involve?

The interviewer will ask you some questions using a laptop computer, and you will be able to complete the most sensitive questions by yourself on the laptop, which is very easy to use. After you have finished, your answers will be secured in the laptop so that the interviewer can’t see them.

What types of questions will I be asked?

To find out more about the type of questions the study will ask you, click here.

What about confidentiality and data security?

We operate under the rules of the Data Protection Act and your personal information will remain strictly confidential and secure at all times. It will not be possible to identify you from the study results and your personal details will never be disclosed to anyone outside the research team. The results of the study will be used for statistical and research purposes only. The data used by researchers will be anonymous and individual people or households will not be identifiable from it.

How many people are taking part in the study?

We're asking 15,000 people across Great Britain to take part.

What’s in it for me?

Everyone who takes part will be given a £15 high street gift voucher as a thank you.

Do I have to take part?

No – your contribution is very important to us to get an accurate picture of everybody’s views and experiences but it’s entirely up to you. If you do take part, you don’t have to answer all the questions and you can withdraw from the study at any time.

Where is the study currently taking place?

Please click here to download a pdf with some more information on which areas the study is taking place in.

Who is doing the research?

This study is conducted by NatCen (National Centre for Social Research), University College London, and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.

What did the first Natsal in 1990 tell us?

The main aim of the first Natsal in 1990 was to provide data which could help the NHS estimate the number of people with HIV/AIDS in Britain, and how HIV/AIDs might spread in the population. It also sought to design strategies to prevent HIV/AIDS transmission. 20,000 people were interviewed in Natsal 1990. In the event, the data collected by the first Natsal was used by policy-makers and researchers in many more ways than had been anticipated. Towards the end of the 1990s however, the data were becoming out-of-date, and the study was repeated in 2000.

What did the second Natsal in 2000 tell us?

The second Natsal looked at the extent to which there were changes in behaviour since 1990, and also measured for the first time the prevalence of Chlamydia in the population. Around 12,000 people were interviewed for Natsal 2000, which included a boost sample of ethnic minority groups. The 2000 study included questions about health, family background, learning about sex, use of contraception and attitudes about sex and relationships. The more personal questions were completed by people themselves on a laptop computer in order to ensure confidentiality.

Where can I get some further information on topics raised in the interview?

Click here for the contact details of some organisations that can provide professional and confidential advice.

What if I have any other questions?

We hope this section has answered the questions you may have, and that it shows the importance of the study. If you have any further questions, please ask your interviewer or you can contact us - please find our contact details under the Contacts tab.