Long-term health problem or disability
Definition
A long-term health problem or disability is one that limits a person’s day-to-day activity, and has lasted, or is expected to last, at least 12 months. This includes problems that are related to old age. Respondents were asked to assess whether their daily activities were limited a lot or a little by such a health problem, or whether their daily activities were not limited at all.
Classification
Total number of categories 4
| Code | Name |
|---|---|
| -5 | No code required - comprises schoolchildren and full-time students living away from home during term time |
| 1 | Yes, limited a lot |
| 2 | Yes, limited a little |
| 3 | No |
Source question or variables
Individual question 19: Are your day-to-day activities limited because of a health problem or disability which has lasted, or is expected to last, at least 12 months?
Include problems related to old age
- Yes, limited a lot
- Yes, limited a little,
- No
Reason for asking
Long-term illness is a strong predictor for higher use of health service resources. This information is used by central government for resource allocation and by local government for service provision. It enables public bodies to meet statutory requirements and to develop and monitor policies to allocate health funding and services at a national and local level.
The statistics generated help to monitor and develop equality policy. These policies relate especially to the delivery of health care, assessment of progress towards better population health and the reduction of health inequalities.
Statistics on disability are also useful for devising policies to improve access to services, such as adult education and leisure facilities.
England & Wales (2021) and Scotland (2011) comparisons
The question wording used in the 2021 census in England & Wales differed slightly from that used in Scotland, however the questions are still broadly comparable.
England & Wales (2021) question:
Do any of your conditions or illnesses reduce your ability to carry out day-to-day activities?
- Yes, a lot
- Yes, a little
- Not at all
This question is the same as the one asked in Scotland's Census in 2011.
Definition
A long-term health problem or disability that limits a person’s day-to-day activity, and has lasted, or is expected to last, at least 12 months. This includes problems that are related to old age. People were asked to assess whether their daily activities were limited a lot or a little by such a health problem, or whether their daily activities were not limited at all.
Classification
Total number of categories 4
| Code | Name |
|---|---|
| 1 | Yes, limited a lot |
| 2 | Yes, limited a little |
| 3 | No |
| X | No code required - comprises schoolchildren and full-time students living away from home during term time. |
Source question or variables
21: Are your day-to-day activities limited because of a health problem or disability which has lasted, or is expected to last, at least 12 months?
Include problems related to old age.
- Yes, limited a lot
- Yes, limited a little
- No
Reason for asking
Long-term illness is a strong predictor for higher use of health service resources. This information is used by central government for resource allocation and by local government for service provision. It enables public bodies to meet statutory requirements and to develop and monitor policies to allocate health funding and services at a national and local level.
The statistics generated help to monitor and develop equality policy. These policies relate especially to the delivery of health care, assessment of progress towards better population health and the reduction of health inequalities.
Statistics on disability are also useful for devising policies to improve access to services, such as adult education and leisure facilities.
In cognitive question testing done by Ipsos MORI Scotland, respondents indicated that they found this question straightforward to answer and there did not appear to be any issues surrounding the understanding or interpretation of the question. Furthermore, the additional information regarding the inclusion of problems related to old age was seen to be clear.
Overall, respondents were able to answer the question with little deliberation and those who did feel that they were limited did not seem to have a problem distinguishing whether their condition(s) limits them ‘a little’ or ‘a lot’.
England & Wales (2011) and Scotland (2001) comparisons
England and Wales 2011
23:Are your day-to-day activities limited because of a health problem or disability which has lasted, or is expected to last, at least 12 months?
Include problems related to old age
- Yes, limited a lot
- Yes, limited a little
- No
Scotland 2001
In 2001 there were only 2 tick boxes and therefore no measure of how a person’s day-to-day activities were limited because of a health problem.