The Health Survey for England 2004 Margaret Blake (National Centre for Social Research)

Background Core sample and core topics each year Changing topics –young people –CVD –older people –ethnic minority boost Sample and content of survey vary 2004 is repeat of 1999 ethnic boost

Why an ethnic boost? Ethnic groups vary in term of: –Health problems –Health behaviours and risks –Health care needs General population sample does not generate sufficient cases in each group Ethnic boost will allow comparison between groups

HSE boost sample in 2004 Minority ethnic groups –Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi, Black African, Black Caribbean, Chinese, Irish Half size general population sample Boost sample design (similar approach to 1999) –Strata: based on proportion of population within different ethnic groups –Sample based on wards because of census information –Sample type: sectors grouped to six sample types –Different ethnic groups screened in each sample type

Survey content Core subjects include: –General Health –Fruit and veg consumption and physical activity –Smoking and drinking –Socio-demographic background –Heights and weights –Self completions - social capital, social support, GHQ Ethnic boost: –CVD for adults –Respiratory health for children Nurse visit for ethnic minority respondents only Comparisons with general population can be made with 2003

Nurse visit Details of prescribed medicines Infant length (6 wks to 2 yrs) Blood pressure (5+) Saliva (4+) Waist and hip (11+) Lung Function (7-15) Blood sample (11+) Urine sample (16+) Fasting blood sample (16+)

2004 results Report published late 2005 Data available early results available now –report –data archive –published papers