Survey results are not released in a form that reveals the identity of individual participants. Participants are provided assurances that their information will only be used for statistical and research purposes in accordance with data protection legislation. Statistical Disclosure Control procedures, including variable removal, top coding and recoding and used to ensure that survey microdata, available via the UK Data Service, does not reveal the identity of individuals. Survey participants who provide their written consent may be asked to take part in follow-up research projects. Data for participants who provide their written consent are linked to NHS health records to enable further analysis.

Further information on the survey methodology can be accessed on the SHeS webpages.

The survey is currently designed to yield a representative sample of the general population living in private households in Scotland every year. Estimates at NHS Health Board and Local Authority level are available over a four year reporting period. Those living in institutions, who are likely to be older and, on average, in poorer health than those in private households, were outwith the scope of the survey. This should be borne in mind when interpreting the survey findings. The survey uses a clustered, stratified multi-stage sample design. In addition, weights are applied when obtaining survey estimates.

A number of changes were introduced in light of the 2017 Scottish Government review of the Scottish Surveys Core Questions, and following the 2016 Scottish Government consultation on the Scottish Health Survey questionnaire content which was published in Spring 2017. The key changes implemented in 2018 for the 2018-2021 surveys include:

• Increased sample size allowing for analysis at Local Authority level by 2021.

• Removal of local police force, contraception and cosmetic procedures questions.

• Removal of urine sample from the biological module.

• A number of modules will no longer appear in the questionnaire each year, but will appear approximately every 2 or 4 years: gambling, problem drinking, dental health services, parental history, respiratory health, CPR training and use of health services.

• New questions introduced asked about satisfaction with key public services, Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT), asthma, type of diabetes and gender identity.

These changes are discussed in greater detail in the Scottish Health Survey 2019: Volume 2 Technical Report (section 1.3) and also in the Scottish Health Survey Report of Questionnaire Changes from 2018. The final questionnaire documentation for 2018 can be found in Appendix A of the Scottish Health Survey 2018 Technical Report.

Detailed survey documentation is available on the Scottish Health Survey webpages.

Users may also submit a special dataset request for their own analysis by following our guidance and proforma.

Disclosure controlled survey microdata are available to registered researchers via the UK Data Service.

The Scottish Health Survey (SHeS) is used to monitor progress towards the following National Indicators:

• Mental Wellbeing

• Healthy Weight

• Health Risk Behaviours

• Physical Activity

• Child wellbeing

• Food insecurity

As a study of public health, the Scottish Health Survey plays an important role in assessing health outcomes, health risks and the extent of health inequalities in Scotland and how these have changed over time. As well as being the official source for measuring progress on a number of National Performance Framework indicators, SHeS is used to monitor numerous health strategies, programmes and initiatives.

The Scottish Health Survey was first run in 1995, then 1998, 2003 and has been in the field continuously since 2008. Annual statistics publications presenting nationally representative results are published, typically in autumn the following year.

Revisions and corrections to previously published Scottish Health Survey data are dealt with in accordance with the Scottish Government Statistician Group corporate policy on revisions and corrections. We undertake to publish any corrections to the published data as soon as they become available. Details of previous revisions are published on the Scottish Health Survey webpage.