The prevalence of self-reported longstanding illness has increased over the lifetime of the GHS rising from 21% of adults and children in 1972 to 32% in 2001. The proportion reporting a longstanding illness increased steadily during the 1970s but has since fluctuated between 29% and 35%, with no clear pattern over time. The prevalence of limiting longstanding illness has shown a similar trend although the overall increase has been smaller: the proportion reporting a condition which limited their activities rose from 15% in 1975 to 19% in 2001. Reports of chronic sickness are based on respondents’ own assessments; increases in prevalence may reflect increased expectations which people have about their health as well as changes in the actual prevalence of sickness.

The proportions reporting an acute sickness in the 14 days before interview also increased in the 1970s, from 8% of adults and children in 1972 to 12% in 1981. Prevalence remained fairly stable during the 1980s but then increased slightly in the early 1990s to 16% in 1996 and has since shown a slight decline to 14% in 2001.