Record High Number of Scots Living with Long-term Health Conditions

Strategic Insights -

A record high number of Scots are living with long-term health conditions, with half of adults reporting at least one condition in 2022. This is the highest level since the Scottish Health Survey began in 1995. Almost four in five adults living with a long-term condition reported at least one impairment, with mobility, stamina, and mental health being the most common limitations. The survey also found that the percentage of Scots diagnosed with diabetes has reached a record high of eight percent.

Key Takeaways:

  • Half of Scottish adults (50%) reported living with at least one long-term health condition in 2022, the highest level since the Scottish Health Survey began in 1995.
  • Almost four in five adults living with a long-term condition (81%) reported at least one impairment, with mobility (32%), stamina/breathing/fatigue (28%), and mental health (26%) being the most common limitations.
  • The percentage of Scots diagnosed with diabetes has reached a record high of eight percent (8%).
  • The proportion of Scots who smoked remained at 14% - down from 28% in 2003.
  • 13% of Scottish adults self-reported attitudes and feelings towards food that were indicative of a potential eating disorder, with the figure highest among 16-24 year-olds at 26%.
  • Almost three-quarters of women aged 45-55 (72%) and around half of those aged 56 and over (53%) reported experiencing symptoms of menopause in the previous 12 months.
  • One in four women reported having a possible psychiatric disorder, compared to 18% of men, with rates highest among adults living in the most-deprived areas at 31%.
  • The percentage of Scots diagnosed with asthma reached a record high of 18%.

Statistics:

  • 50% of Scottish adults reported living with at least one long-term health condition in 2022.
  • 81% of adults living with a long-term condition reported at least one impairment.
  • 32% of adults reported mobility limitations.
  • 28% reported stamina/breathing/fatigue limitations.
  • 26% reported mental health limitations.
  • 8% of Scots were diagnosed with diabetes.
  • 14% of Scots smoked in 2022.
  • 13% of Scottish adults self-reported attitudes and feelings towards food indicative of a potential eating disorder.
  • 26% of 16-24 year-olds self-reported attitudes and feelings towards food indicative of a potential eating disorder.
  • 72% of women aged 45-55 reported experiencing symptoms of menopause.
  • 53% of women aged 56 and over reported experiencing symptoms of menopause.
  • 31% of adults living in the most-deprived areas reported a possible psychiatric disorder.
  • 18% of adults living in the least-deprived areas reported a possible psychiatric disorder.

Sources:

  • The Scottish Government
  • The Scottish Centre for Social Research
  • Scottish Labour
  • Scottish Liberal Democrats