Abstract copyright UK Data Service and data collection copyright owner.The Opinions and Lifestyle Survey (formerly known as the ONS Opinions Survey or Omnibus) is an omnibus survey that began in 1990, collecting data on a range of subjects commissioned by both the ONS internally and external clients (limited to other government departments, charities, non-profit organisations and academia).Data are collected from one individual aged 16 or over, selected from each sampled private household. Personal data include data on the individual, their family, address, household, income and education, plus responses and opinions on a variety of subjects within commissioned modules. The questionnaire collects timely data for research and policy analysis evaluation on the social impacts of recent topics of national importance, such as the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and the cost of living, on individuals and households in Great Britain. From April 2018 to November 2019, the design of the OPN changed from face-to-face to a mixed-mode design (online first with telephone interviewing where necessary). Mixed-mode collection allows respondents to complete the survey more flexibly and provides a more cost-effective service for customers. In March 2020, the OPN was adapted to become a weekly survey used to collect data on the social impacts of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on the lives of people of Great Britain. These data are held in the Secure Access study, SN 8635, ONS Opinions and Lifestyle Survey, Covid-19 Module, 2020-2022: Secure Access. From August 2021, as coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions were lifting across Great Britain, the OPN moved to fortnightly data collection, sampling around 5,000 households in each survey wave to ensure the survey remains sustainable. The OPN has since expanded to include questions on other topics of national importance, such as health and the cost of living. For more information about the survey and its methodology, see the ONS OPN Quality and Methodology Information webpage.Secure Access Opinions and Lifestyle Survey dataOther Secure Access OPN data cover modules run at various points from 1997-2019, on Census religion (SN 8078), cervical cancer screening (SN 8080), contact after separation (SN 8089), contraception (SN 8095), disability (SNs 8680 and 8096), general lifestyle (SN 8092), illness and activity (SN 8094), and non-resident parental contact (SN 8093). See Opinions and Lifestyle Survey: Secure Access for details.
Main Topics:Each month's questionnaire consists of two elements: core questions, covering demographic information, are asked each month together with non-core questions that vary from month to month.
The non-core questions for this month were: GP Accidents (Module 78n): this module asked about accidents the respondent had had where help was sought that could have involved a doctor e.g. doctor's surgery, hospital. Hearing and TV Subtitles (Module 115): this module is asked only of those respondents who either say they have hearing difficulties or who say they have difficulty hearing the TV when the volume is normal. This module is asked of a maximum of two household members who fit the criteria. The module asks about the use of and opinions about tv subtitles. Work Related Accidents (Module 128): this module is asked of respondents who had done any paid work in the last 12 months and collects details about accidents that have occurred to the respondent while at work. Sunburn III (Module 129): The purpose of this module was to find out how often respondents get sun burnt and how aware they are of the dangers of excessive exposure to the sun and the risk of getting skin cancer. Expectation of House Price Changes (Module 137): this module asks respondents' views on changes to house prices in the next year and next five years. Drink Awareness (Module 143): this module asks about drinking habits and attitudes and knowledge about drinking guidelines. This module was only asked of respondents aged 16-24 years. Time to First Pregnancy and Infertility (Module 146): this module asks questions about fertility and whether the respondent (or their partner) have experienced problems in conceiving. The questions focus on Time To Pregnancy (TTP) as a measure of infertility. Advance Statements (Module 154): these questions were asked to gauge how many people have heard of, and how many have, an Advance Statement/Advance Directive/ Living Will. Telephone Ownership (Module 155): this module is being asked on behalf of the Health Education Authority. It aimed to assess the number of households who have a telephone and whether or not they are listed in the telephone directory. The information will help inform the feasibility of conducting telephone interviewing. Responsibility for Contraception (Module 156): this module asks respondents which partner people think should be responsible for contraception, and where the responsibility lies in their relationship. The module includes some questions currently asked in the Omnibus Contraception and Condoms modules.
Multi-stage stratified random sample
Face-to-face interview
