A summary of changes over time
Self-reported illness
Trends in percentages of males and females reporting illness and restricted activity: Great Britain, 1972 to 2002
Over the lifetime of the GHS, the prevalence of self-reported longstanding illness in adults and children has risen from 21 per cent in 1972 to 35 per cent in 2002. The prevalence increased steadily in the 1970s and early 1980s, continuing to increase gradually until 1996. Since then the proportion has fluctuated between 32 and 35 per cent, with no clear pattern over time.
The prevalence of limiting longstanding illness in adults and children has risen from 15 per cent in 1975 to 21 per cent in 2002. It has shown a similar trend to the prevalence of longstanding illness, although the overall increase in prevalence has been less over time.
The proportion of all persons reporting restricted activity due to illness or injury in the two weeks prior to interview doubled from 8 per cent in 1972 to 16 per cent in 1996. The proportion has since remained relatively stable (15 per cent in 2002).
Self-reported illness is based on the respondent’s own assessment of their own, or their children’s health. Therefore an increase in reported prevalence may reflect changes in the expectations people have about their health, as well as changes in the actual prevalence of sickness.
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Households