The GHS has asked a series of questions about health and the use of health services since the beginning of the survey in 1971. Although periodic changes have been made to the content of the health section, it is possible to monitor changes in self-reported health and the use of health services over a 30 year period.

The Independent Inquiry into Inequalities in Health and Our Healthier Nation both indicate that health inequalities exist. The NHS Plan gives priority to addressing this problem, and following its publication, the Secretary of State set two national targets in February 2001 to reduce health inequalities in infant mortality and life expectancy. Tackling Health Inequalities – Consultation on a plan for delivery* builds on the NHS Plan, to develop further ways of reducing health inequalities. Analysis of GHS data makes it possible to monitor changes over time and health measures alongside other socio-economic factors.

Many of the tables in this chapter refer to data on adults and children. Questions on health and use of health services are asked of all adults in the households aged 16 and over. For the majority of questions, information is also collected from a responsible adult about all children in the household. (For more detail see Appendix F for the full questionnaire.)

*Tackling Health Inequalities - consultation on a plan for delivery. Department of Health. The Stationery Office (London 2001).