Why is this National Indicator important?
Poor health is not simply due to diet, smoking or other life style choices, people's aspirations - sense of control and cultural factors have an effect. Having a sense of coherence enables people to view their external environment as comprehensible, manageable and worthwhile without which they are likely to be subject to chronic stress and poor health. This gives rise to stark inequalities in health and other social outcomes across Scotland which are not just unfair for those who are adversely affected, but also bad for the country as a whole. By holding back those who can and want to make a contribution to Scotland's prosperity, inequalities are a very real barrier to achieving the Scottish Government's purpose of sustainable economic growth.
What will influence this National Indicator?
There are a number of factors which will affect health:
- Employment and income can improve social position and a sense of control over life situations
- Problem-coping and solving skills can improve sense of control and alleviate anxiety
- Physical health can influence ability to undertake life tasks including employment
- Self-respect and esteem can allow a positive outlook on life situations
- The quality of the physical and social environment can influence the sense of control and support networks to individuals and
- Access to good quality services can help to build improved strategies for coping and getting on with life
- The delivery of health and other services that are both universal and appropriately prioritised to meet the needs of those most at risk of poor health and other outcomes
What is the Government's role?
The Government continues to promote health-related behaviours of stop smoking, reducing alcohol consumption, being more physically active, having a balanced diet and maintaining a healthy weight. The ability and willingness of people to adopt these healthy behaviours depend significantly on their wider life circumstances. Which the Government is addressing in partnership with COSLA through its three interlinked social policy frameworks: Equally Well the Early Years Framework and Achieving Our Potential. The Government will demonstrate strong, visible, cross sector leadership in order to:
- Support Community Planning Partnerships deliver integrated service
- Actively involve the third sector
- Consult and involve local communities and
- Progress an early intervention agenda and ensure that this is reflected in decisions about resource allocation
The Government also has a direct role in ensuring the healthcare service delivers on all the dimensions of the Quality Strategy, which will contribute to improving population health.
How is Scotland performing?
The proportion of adults who assess their health as good or very good has shown an increase from 75% to 77% between 2008 and 2009 and decreased back to 75% in 2010.
The data for this chart is available at the bottom of the page
Source: Scottish Health Survey
Criteria for recent change
The evaluation is based on: any difference within +/- 1 percentage point of last year's figure suggests that the position is more likely to be maintaining than showing any change. An increase of 1 percentage point or more suggests the position is improving; whereas a decrease of 1 percentage point or more suggests the position is worsening.
Further Information
For information on general methodological approach, please click here.
Scotland Performs Technical Note
Who are our partners?
NHS Scotland
Local Authorities
Police Forces
Community Planning Partners
Voluntary sector organisations
Employers
Local communities
Related Strategic Objectives
Healthier
Wealthier and Fairer