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: Second Homes (Module 4): ownership of a second home by any member of the household and reasons for having the second home. Condom Use (Module 6): awareness of publicity about AIDS; use of condoms amongst the sexually active and its relation to publicity about HIV and AIDS. Investment Income (Module 7a): ownership of shares and income from shares, bank accounts and building society accounts. Sensible Drinking (Module 40): whether drinks alcohol and if so what type; whether knows how much a unit of alcohol is; how much alcohol consumed in a week; awareness of recommended units as the safe, sensible weekly limit for men and women. Smoking (Module 60): whether smokes cigarettes now or has ever smoked; how many cigarettes smoked; type of cigarettes smoked (filter, non-filter or hand-rolled). Skin Cancer (Module 62): awareness of skin cancer and risks associated with excessive exposure to the sun; views on importance of sun protection measures. Leasehold Accommodation (Module 63): home owners of leasehold property asked how long did lease have to run when property was bought; how long lease has to run now; who freehold is owned by. Alcohol and Tobacco from EU (Module 64): alcohol and/or tobacco products brought back from European Union Countries during previous two months; quantity bought; amount spent and currency used (excluding items bought in a duty free shop). Public Awareness of Crown Prosecution Service (Module 65): knowledge of, and attitudes toward the Crown Prosecution Service; where heard about. Back Pain (Module 66): whether had any back pain in last year; when and for how long; whether visited any medical practitioner; whether activities restricted or taken time off work during past 4 weeks due to back pain; cause of back pain. Invalidity Benefit (Module 67): awareness of invalidity benefit and how to qualify for it; whether anyone in household has ever received invalidity benefit. Attitudes to Cooking (Module 68): how often prepares own or household's meals; cooking facilities used; confidence in cooking from basic ingredients as opposed to using convenience foods; knowledge of basic cooking techniques; where cooking skills acquired; whether would like to learn more; views on importance of both sexes having basic cooking skills; whether children should be taught to cook; whether boys should be taught to cook; whether cooking should be taught in schools. House Purchase (Module 69): home owners who purchased their homes since 1st January 1990 asked how long it took to complete the purchase; whether satisfied with length of time taken; which aspects of the purchasing procedure were responsible for delay; whether a previous purchase had fallen through and main reason for this.
Multi-stage stratified random sample
Face-to-face interview
