1. How did you choose my address?
We chose your address from the Postcode Address File using random selection procedures. This method of selecting addresses ensures that all households have a chance of being selected and the findings are representative of Scotland as a whole. The Postcode Address File is held by the Post Office and is available to the public.
2. Why is this research important?
The Scottish Health Survey informs the Scottish Government's and the NHS’s forward planning of health services and development of health policy. The survey provides an accurate picture of the health of the nation. Unlike statistics from people in hospital or those who are in touch with their GP, the results of this survey reflect the health and lifestyles of different types of people from all over Scotland. We interview people of different ages and sexes, from different geographic areas and backgrounds. There is no other source of information like the Scottish Health Survey.
3. Is the study confidential?
The Scottish Government and NHS Health Scotland will treat information you give in strict confidence. The results of the study will never include any names or addresses. The information collected is used for statistical and research purposes only and will be dealt with according to the principles of the 1998 Data Protection Act.
4. Who is carrying out the study?
We are conducting the survey with the Department of Epidemiology and Public Health at University College London and the MRC Social and Public Health Sciences Unit in Glasgow.
5. Tell me more about the organisations that are carrying out the survey
ScotCen is a registered charity. This means that like University College London and the MRC Social and Public Health Sciences Unit, we are independent of all government departments and political parties.
6. Did another survey precede the Scottish Health Survey?
No. Before the Scottish Health Survey was introduced in 1995 there was no other survey that provided a comprehensive, long term picture of the health and lifestyles of the population. The Scottish Health Survey was designed to overcome this lack of knowledge.
7. What are the specific research aims of the survey?
The survey aims to: estimate the prevalence of particular health conditions in Scotland; estimate the prevalence of certain risk factors associated with these health conditions; document the pattern of health behaviours related to particular health conditions; examine the differences between regions and subgroups of the population in regards to particular health conditions and risk factors; compare results from the survey with other national statistics for Scotland and England; monitor trends in the population's health over time and monitor progress towards national health targets.