Welsh Health Survey, 2011

The <i>Welsh Health Survey</i> (WHS) collects information about the health of people living in Wales, the way they use health services, and the factors that can affect their health. The current WHS series was commissioned by the Welsh Government (formerly the Welsh Assembly Government), and was carried out in both 2003-2004 and 2004-2005 by a consortium comprising NatCen Social Research (NatCen) (formerly the National Centre for Social Research), Beaufort Research Limited, and the Department of Epidemiology and Public Health at University College London. In 2005-2006, NatCen had sole responsibility for conducting the survey and this has from the 2007 surveys onwards. <br>
<br>
The new WHS replaces two previous study series: the previous WHS, conducted in 1995 and 1998 (the 1998 WHS is held at the Archive under SN 4176), and the Health in Wales Survey which was conducted five times in 1985, 1988, 1990, 1993 and 1996 (not currently held at the Archive). Users should note that results from the new WHS survey are not comparable with those from the previous surveys, because of differences in the questionnaires and survey methodology.<br>
<br>
The new WHS is designed to:<ul><li>provide national estimates of health and health-related lifestyle</li><li>examine differences between population subgroups and local areas;</li><li>provide evidence to inform and monitor policies and strategies for promoting better health;</li><li>provide data for setting and monitoring targets and indicators;</li><li>provide local authority level information for development of joint local health, social care and well-being strategies.</li></ul>The WHS is based on a representative sample of adults aged 16 and over living in private households in Wales. In addition, up to two children aged 0 to 15 were randomly selected from each household. From 2007, more extensive survey elements for children were introduced than had been used for previous years of the WHS. Three age-specific questionnaires were used for children selected to participate in the survey. Two questionnaires were given to parents to complete on behalf of selected children aged 0 to 3, and selected children aged 4 to 12; a third questionnaire was given to selected children aged 13 to 15 to complete on their own behalf. In addition, interviewers were asked to take height and weight measurements of selected children aged between 2 and 15 years, if children and parents consented. Results from this survey are not comparable with those from the previous surveys because of differences in the questionnaires and survey methodology. <br>
<br>
Further information about the WHS, including links to publications, may be found on the Welsh Government's <a href="http://new.wales.gov.uk/topics/statistics/theme/health/health-survey/?lang=en" title ="Welsh Health Survey">Welsh Health Survey</a> web pages.<br>
<br>