Multiple risk factors: data  

Analysis of multiple risk factors was included in the 2016 Scottish Health Survey report. This analysis combed survey results from the 2013 to 2016 and considered 4 risk factors (smoking, hazardous or harmful alcohol consumption, overweight and obesity, and low physical activity levels) but did not consider poor diet. 

The 2016 report suggests 71% of the Scottish population had at least 1 risk factor, with 31% having 2 or more risk factors.  The percentage of the population with multiple risk factors increases with age and deprivation. There were also differences between the most prevalent risks factors in men compared to women.

The 2016 report showed that 40% of those reporting 2 or more risk factors also reported a limiting life-long condition compared to 20% in those reporting no risk factors.

Table 1: Number of risk factors present in the Scottish population (2013-2016)

Source: Scottish Health Survey 2016  

The Scottish Health Survey report (based on survey results from 2010) considered the risk factors tobacco use, alcohol consumption, poor diet, physical inactivity, overweight and obesity. Overall, 98% of the Scottish population (in 2010) were estimated to have one or more of the key risk factors, and 24% have 4 or more risk factors. The corresponding figures from the 1998 and 2003 Scottish Health Surveys were very similar (1998 - 97% and 22%; 2003 – 97% and 19%).

Reports based on the survey provide prevalence estimates for different points in time 2003, 2010, 2012/2013 and 2016.

The Scottish Government National Performance Framework (NPF) also present figures on proportions of the population with 2 or more risk behaviours sourced from Scottish Health Survey data.

In 2018, The King’s Fund published research and recommendations based on findings from English services set up to tackle multiple unhealthy risk factors in their populations.