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Sub-local authority analysis of the Welsh Health Survey



The Public Health Wales Observatory and Welsh Government have collaborated to produce and present findings from the Welsh Health Survey at sub-local authority level (Upper Super Output Area). This has allowed a more detailed geographical breakdown of the health of people living in Wales, the way they use health services and their health related lifestyle than previously. The report and accompanying data file will be particularly valuable in informing action to improve health and service delivery at the local level. 

Key Messages

The analysis demonstrates the substantial variations in people’s health among the 94 Upper Super Output Areas (USOAs) in Wales (average population approx. 32,000). For example, the percentages of people reporting being treated for diabetes, mental illness and arthritis are over three times higher in some USOAs compared to others. The highest percentages of people reporting key illnesses are generally in USOAs in South Wales.

Health related lifestyles also vary across USOAs in Wales. The percentage of smokers is two and a half times higher in some USOAs (where one in three adults smoke) compared to others (where one in seven smoke). Considerable variations are seen within health board and local authority areas.

General information on the Welsh Health Survey is available from the Welsh Government website.

Explore Data Further

The publication consists of:

https://emedia1.nhs.wales/PublicHealthWales/cache/file/F7FB9F61-437D-46DA-9D2EAB96014456FE_medium.png?cacheID=E511B005-2D18-4EA4-A170DC2D78DCD6D4 A report consisting of a series of maps and accompanying commentary available in Word format and Adobe format 

https://emedia1.nhs.wales/PublicHealthWales/cache/file/F7FB9F61-437D-46DA-9D2EAB96014456FE_medium.png?cacheID=E511B005-2D18-4EA4-A170DC2D78DCD6D4 An online data file in the form of an interactive spreadsheet, allowing direct comparisons between Upper Super Output Areas and the Wales average by health board. This is a revised version (Oct 2012), the previous version incorrectly displayed confidence limits within the charts

https://emedia1.nhs.wales/PublicHealthWales/cache/file/F7FB9F61-437D-46DA-9D2EAB96014456FE_medium.png?cacheID=E511B005-2D18-4EA4-A170DC2D78DCD6D4 An indicator guide providing further background and detail behind the chosen indicators

Get in touch 

We are always looking to improve on the products we produce to ensure that they are user-friendly. If you have any comments or feedback, then please get in touch with us by emailing:  publichealthwalesobservatory@wales.nhs.uk