General health
Definition
General health is a self-assessment of a person's general state of health. People were asked to assess whether their health was very good, good, fair, bad or very bad. This assessment is not based on a person's health based over any specified period of time.
Classification
Total number of categories 6
| Code | Name |
|---|---|
| -5 | No code required - comprises schoolchildren and full-time students living away from home during term time |
| 1 | Very good |
| 2 | Good |
| 3 | Fair |
| 4 | Bad |
| 5 | Very bad |
Source question or variables
Individual question 17: How is you health in general?
- Very good
- Good
- Fair
- Bad
- Very bad
Reason for asking
On the basis that self-perceived poor health is a strong indicator of future use of the health service, analysis of this information aids government health resource allocation and service provision.
This information also helps to develop and monitor policy on the delivery of health care, the reduction of health inequalities and the assessment of progress towards improving the general health of the population.
England & Wales (2021) and Scotland (2011) comparisons
This question is the same as the one asked in England & Wales in 2021 and in Scotland's census in 2011.
Definition
General health is a self-assessment of a person's general state of health. People were asked to assess whether their health was very good, good, fair, bad or very bad. This assessment is not based on a person's health based over any specified period of time.
Classification
Total number of categories 5
| Code | Name |
|---|---|
| 1 | Very good |
| 2 | Good |
| 3 | Fair |
| 4 | Bad |
| 5 | Very bad |
Source question or variables
19: How is your health in general?
- Very good
- Good
- Fair
- Bad
- Very bad
Reason for asking
On the basis that self-perceived poor health is a strong indicator of future use of the health service, analysis of this information aids government health resource allocation and service provision.
This information also helps to develop and monitor policy on the delivery of health care, the reduction of health inequalities and the assessment of progress towards improving the general health of the population.
In cognitive question testing done by Ipsos MORI Scotland, the main issue surrounding this question was that its subjective nature would lead to inconsistency of response. Respondents found it more difficult to answer than other questions, not because they had problems understanding the question, but because they had to weigh up their situation and make a decision, sometimes taking several factors into account. Regardless of this, we have concluded that the question works well and recommend that no changes should be made to it.
England & Wales (2011) and Scotland (2001) comparisons
The question in England & Wales (2011) is identical to the Scotland (2011) question.
In 2001 the question in Scotland had only 3 tick boxes compared to 5 in 2011. The question also referred to the 'last 12 months' unlike the 2011 question that did not refer to time.
Definition
This question asks for an assessment of each person's general health over the last year.
Classification
Total number of categories 3
| Code | Name |
|---|---|
| 1 | Good |
| 2 | Fairly good |
| 3 | Not good |