National Level Statistics
Public health data available from administrative sources
The NHS Information Services Division (ISD) Scotland, publishes regular updates on a wide range of health statistics. As well as Scotland level figures, data are available broken down by other factors such as age, gender and deprivation. ISD statistics include notes about the data sources used and interpretation. As well as accessing routinely published statistics, customers can request analysis on an ad hoc basis.
The Scottish Public Health Observatory (ScotPHO) also publishes a variety of health related statistics and reports.
The General Register Office for Scotland (GRO(S)) publishes information about births and deaths, as well as estimates of life expectancy and population size for Scotland.
Health behaviour data available from surveys
Smoking prevalence in Scotland is currently monitored through data from the Scottish Household Survey, with Scotland level results available annually.
Smoking behaviour data and data on other behaviours and factors that influence health such as mental wellbeing, obesity, alcohol intake, physical activity and diet are collected through the Scottish Health Survey, which was run in 1995, 1998 and 2003 and is now running continuously from 2008-11. Scotland level data will be available annually from September 2009.
International Statistics
The Scotland and European HfA Database 2007 is maintained by ScotPHO and contains Scottish data added to a download of the January 2007 release of the WHO HfA database. Data are presented in a user-friendly, graphical or tabular form, allowing time trend and international comparisons for 600 health and health-related indicators, with Scottish data presented for over 80% of these. The indicators include basic demographics; health status (mortality, morbidity, maternal health and child health); health determinants (such as lifestyle and environment); health care (resources and utilisation). Information about data sources and caveats around comparison are also supplied.