Health Variables

Each wave the SF–36 Health Survey instrument is included within the Self–Completion Questionnaire. The SF–36 Health Survey is an internationally recognised diagnostic tool for assessing functional health status and well–being. It comprises 36 items which provide multi–item scales measuring each of eight distinct health concepts. Following the scoring rules outlined in Ware et al. (2000), each of these eight scales has been transformed into a standardised 0–100 index. The individual scores for each of these indices have been provided as derived variables in the data set. In addition, the SF–6D health state classification has also been derived from the SF–36 (as outlined in Brazier, Roberts and Deverill, 2002).

From wave 6, respondents are asked to record their height and weight in the Self-Completion Questionnaire. This is used to derive their body mass index. Further information on the quality of the height and weight data is provided in Wooden and Watson (2008).

The health variables are listed below.

Table 23: Derived health variables

 
1. From wave 6.