Scottish Health Survey: content review

6. Data collection methods

SHeS data collection involves a main computer assisted interview (CAI), an online or paper self-completion questionnaire, height and weight measurements and, if applicable, adults also complete a biological module. A sample of addresses are randomly selected and these are then allocated to version A or version B of the survey, see figure 1. Two thirds of the sample are allocated to version A and complete a slightly longer interview. The remaining third of the sample are allocated to version B, the biological sample. Adults in these households are asked fewer questions in the main interview and complete an additional biological module. Children are not asked to provide biological measurements, except height and weight.

Up to 10 adults (16+) and 2 children per household are invited to take part in the survey. There is also a child boost sample where interviews only take place in respect of children in the household. This is to ensure that enough children take part in the survey to provide estimates for children.