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1. National estimates of the numbers of people consulting for obesity can be given based on the number of patients seen for the condition in general practices participating in PTI (Practice Team Information). PTI data are obtained from a sample of Scottish general practices whose population covers the full range of age, sex, deprivation and urban/rural classes existing in Scotland. The number of participating practices is too small to allow estimates for individual NHS board areas.

2. National prevalence estimates can be obtained from the 2003 Scottish Health Survey. The Scottish Health Survey website (http://www.show.scot.nhs.uk/scottishhealthsurvey/) shows the percentage of respondents regarded as obese (body mass index (BMI) (kg/m²) > 30) in each NHS board area, but does not give information on the underlying numbers. Information is also available from earlier surveys in 1998 and 1995.

The estimated number of patients who consulted their general practices in Scotland for “obesity” based on PTI data over the financial years ending 31 March 2001 to 2005 is shown in the following table 1. Obesity in these consultations was not precisely defined in terms of height, weight or BMI. These figures are likely to considerably underestimate the true number of obese people in Scotland because many people with obesity do not consult their GP practice. In addition, these figures exclude people with obesity who did not consult their practice during the year of the analysis. Also, patients may visit the general practice for a condition e.g. diabetes, hypertension, related to their obesity without obesity itself being recorded. The numbers shown in table 1 are less than a tenth of the Scottish Health Survey estimates.

Table 1. Estimated Number of Patients Contacting their GP or any Member of the Practice Team¹ Regarding Obesity; Financial Years Ending 31 March 2001 to 2005

Note: 1. The Practice Team includes GPs, practice nurses, district nurses and health visitors. Before April 2003 data is available on GP visits only.

Table 2 shows the percentage of respondents from the 2003 Scottish Health Survey who were obese (BMI > 30) in each NHS board area. Information on the underlying numbers is not provided on the Scottish Health Survey website.

Table 2. Percentage Obese (Defined as Body Mass Index (BMI) >30), by NHS Board and Sex, Ages 16+^1,2

Notes:

1. Extract from Scottish Health Survey 2003, Health Board Tables, http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/Doc/76169/0019728.xls.

2. Those with valid BMI measurement.

3. Figures in square brackets are based on small samples.

Additionally, Table 5.7 of the 2003 Scottish Health Survey (http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/Doc/76169/0019729.pdf) shows trends in obesity over the 1995, 1998 and 2003 surveys for respondents aged 16 to 64. Between the 1998 and 2003 survey the proportion of obese men aged 16 to 64 years increased from 18.8% to 22.0%, and for women increased from 20.9% to 23.8%.

The information which is available from GUM clinic attendances is given in Table 1 – Patients aged 21 and under diagnosed with an STI in Scottish GUM clinics by NHS Board of residence, gender, year and age group; 2000-2004, a copy of which has been placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 38635).

In addition, laboratory data on the four main STIs is routinely collected by Health Protection Scotland. The number of positive laboratory reports are very similar to diagnoses recorded at GUM clinics although chlamydia, which is the most frequent single diagnosis in this age group, is more likely to be diagnosed in other settings. The data in Table 2 - Laboratory reports of Chlamydia among persons aged 21 years and under by NHS Board of diagnosis, gender, year and age group; Scotland 2000-2004, a copy of which has been placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre  (Bib. number 38636) contains the available data from laboratory reports, broken down by NHS board area.

Antidepressants Prescribed in Scotland - Financial Years 2000-01 to 2004-05

Number of Prescribed Items and Percentage Change (Year-on-Year)

Notes: *Change from 1999-2000.

Source: ISD.

Information in the form requested is only available since 1996-97. The number of rural home ownership grants (RHOGs) that have been awarded by local authority area in the period 1996-97 to 2004-05 is as follows:

Number of RHOG Approvals by Unitary Authority (1996-97 to 2004-05)

The number of applications for rural home ownership grants (RHOGs) that have been made by local authority area in the period (a) 2002-03, (b) 2003-04 and (c) 2004-05, showing year-on-year percentage changes are as follows:

Number of RHOG Applications Received by Unitary Authority (2002-03 to 2004-05)