The main regional analysis throughout this report is based on Government Office Region, but for the health data there is policy interest in figures presented for NHS Executive Region Office Areas. These areas came into effect in April 1999 with some boundary changes affecting the regions in the southern half of England. This means that the boundaries are different from those reported in earlier GHS reports (see Appendix A).

There were no statistically significant differences between the countries of Great Britain in the reporting of longstanding illness, limiting conditions and restriction of activities in the 14 days before interview.

London had the lowest incidence of longstanding illness, whether limiting or not. Reported longstanding illness was highest in Merseyside and the North East.