Scottish Surveys Core Questions 2017

Annex A: Comparison of the pooled surveys

In this section, estimates from the pooled SSCQ and its constituent surveys SCJS, SHeS and SHS are displayed and assessed to determine agreement.

Estimates in these tables may not be identical to figures published by the individual surveys. This is due to differences in the valid sample size and weights being applied before pooling (see section 6.1).

Table A.1: Self-assessed general health by source survey (row % and margin of error) 

All three survey estimates of self-assessed general health overlap under formal testing.

Table A.2: Current smoker by source survey (row % and margin of error)

All three survey estimates of current smoking prevalence in the adult population overlap under formal testing.

Table A.3: Long-term limiting health condition by source survey (row % and margin of error)

SHeS reports a somewhat higher percentage of adults living with long-term limiting health conditions, while SHS and SCJS estimates overlap. It is thought that respondents are more likely to identify long-term conditions when asked about them in the context of a specific interview about numerous aspects of their health and wellbeing.

Table A.4: Average mental wellbeing score by source survey (scale from 7-35 and margin of error) 

The three surveys produce similar average mental wellbeing scores. It is thought the SHeS estimate is lower due to the context of the health survey and surroudning questions on mental health.

Table A.5: Provides unpaid care by source survey (row % and margin of error)

The three surveys produce somewhat different estimates of the rate of the provision of unpaid care. SHS reports the highest level, followed by SCJS and SHeS.The confidence intervals on estimates from SCJS and SHeS overlap and do not represent a significant difference. It is thought that the SHS estimate is higher due to this being asked in the context of other questions around volunteering and time spent providing care.

Table A.6: Perception of crime in local area by source survey (row % and margin of error)

The SCJS reports a slightly worse perception of crime in the local area than the other surveys and by extension, SSCQ. It is thought that respondents answer this question more negatively in the context of an interview about crime, victimisation and policing. 

Table A.7: Confidence in the police by source survey (row % and margin of error)

The SSCQ and SCJS estimates across all police confidence questions are not statistically different. Differences in the point estimates between surveys may relate to the interview context about crime, victimisation and policing in the SCJS.