Survey of the Health and Well-Being of Homeless People in Glasgow

Key facts

Survey coverage: Glasgow
Interviews Achieved: 225 individuals
Response Rate: 78%

Why was the survey carried out?

The Glasgow Mental Health Framework Steering Group, a multi-agency body chaired by the Greater Glasgow Health Board commissioned Social Survey Division (SSD) to undertake a survey of the health and well-being of homeless people in Glasgow.

The main aims of the survey were:

• to estimate the prevalence of defined mental health problems among single homeless people in Glasgow;
• to establish the level of reported physical illness and disability among this group; and
• to investigate the extent of recent usage and perceived usefulness of relevant services.

The information will be used to provide a firm basis for planning services to improve the health and well-being of single homeless people in Glasgow.

How was the survey done?

The study consisted of a questionnaire-based interview of a representative sample of 225 homeless people aged 16 and over, approximately 10% of the total estimated population of homeless people living in hostels or sleeping rough in Greater Glasgow. Interviews were carried out in hostels and drop-in centres that cater for homeless people. The pilot survey was carried out in April 1999 and the mainstage fieldwork took place in August 1999.

Where can the results be found?

A First Release of initial results of the survey 'Substance misuse and mental disorder among homeless people in Glasgow' was published in March 2000.

A full report of the survey and a brief summary report were published in June 2000. To obtain a copy of the Press Release giving details of the publication click here.

Copies of the summary and the main report "Survey of the health and well-being of homeless people in Glasgow" by A. Kershaw, N. Singleton and H. Meltzer, ISBN 1-85774-379-2 are available from:
Greater Glasgow Health Board
Dalian House
350 St Vincent Street
Glasgow
G3 8YU
Tel: +44 (0) 141-201-4444

Information about similar surveys on mental health and well-being carried out in recent years can also be found listed under Sources in StatBase^®.

For more information about SSD or the surveys we carry out contact:
SSD Project Support Branch Tel: +44 (0)20 7533 5500 or e-mail: ssdpsb@ons.gov.uk

This page last revised: Monday, 29 October 2001