There are several sources of data that we use throughout our policy and project work, here at Paths for All, and the end of last year saw the release of one of the key publications – the 2022 results for the Scottish Health Survey.
The Scottish Health Survey survey collects information a range of aspects of the public’s health, with a representative sample of the general population living in private houses in Scotland, and in 2022 6,158 people took part.
A dashboard has also been created that summarises the key results from the survey for Scotland, NHS health boards and local authority areas. Find out more here.
Note – in 2020 and 2021, the methods used to carry out the Scottish Health Survey was changed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and results from those years were published as experimental statistics. This should be taken into account when comparing trends. 2022 saw a return to traditional methods of data collection, and so results from this year are best compared with those from 2019.
In the interactive visualisation tool below, we summarise the key findings and results fromthe 2022 survey. You can navigate between each of the eight panels using the arrows at the top of the tool.
Research repeatedly demonstrates the effect that exercise can have on depression, and the impact that access to green space has on mental health. With even just these two most recent pieces of evidence, and the results of the Scottish Health Survey in mind, it’s clear that mental health and wellbeing should remain a clear outcome of our work, with a focus on creating accessible and inclusive opportunities for those of all ages and abilities to participate in physical activity in their own way.
You can view the Scottish Health Survey 2022 dashboard here.