Overview of key data sources: Scottish Household Survey

Organisation responsible: Scottish Executive Development Department.

Background and purpose: The Scottish Household Survey (SHoS) is a continuous cross-sectional survey that aims to provide representative information about the composition, characteristics and behaviour of Scottish households, both nationally and at a more local level. The survey has a particular focus on information to inform policy on transport, social justice and housing.

Survey years / frequency: The SHoS began in 1999 and is a continuous cross-sectional survey.

Survey content: The survey includes questions on a wide range of topics including: household composition; accommodation; neighbourhoods and community safety; education and training; employment; income; travel and transport; volunteering; local services; and, health and disability. Questions on health and disability have collected information on: self-reported general health; long-standing illness, health problem or disability; caring; limitations on daily activities; adaptations to home; and, smoking behaviour.

Target population: Adults aged 16 years and over living in private households in Scotland.

Sample size: The survey aims to provide a national sample of 31,000 interviews over two years.

Response rate: Approximately 60% to 70%.

Method of data collection: Information is collected by face-to-face interview using computer assisted personal interviewing (CAPI).

Smallest geographical unit reported: Local authority. The survey aims to provide statistically reliable results for larger local authorities on an annual basis and for all local authorities, regardless of size, every two years.

Availability of results and further information: Results from the survey are currently available up to 2003/2004. Further information on the survey, including survey results, are available from the Scottish Household Survey website. The website includes details of SHS Lite, a simplified version of the survey dataset and training guide. The website also includes webtables with results for 1999/2000, 2001/2002 and 2003/2004, which are searchable by subject and local authority. The survey data is also available from the UK Data Archive.