In 1966, 1971, 1977, 1982, 1989, 1999, 2006-10, and 2014-16, study members were asked the MRC questionnaire on respiratory symptoms (MRCQ).

The MRCQ consists of questions on coughing, phlegm, breathlessness, wheezing and chest illnesses.¹⁾

Details of the questions and variable names resulting from the MRCQ can be seen below.

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Lung function was first measured in 1982 using a Mini Wright Peak Flow meter to measure the peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) to the nearest 10 litres/min. The PEFR was also measured at 1989 and 1999.

At ages 43 (1989), 53 (1999) and 60-64 (2006-10) forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC) were measured using the Micro Medical spirometer. At age 68-70 (2014-16) forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC) was measured using Easy on-PC sensor (spirometer). Three measures were used at 43, 60-64 and 68-70 years and two measures at 53 years. It was also recorded whether the technique for each blow was satisfactory.

Recommended measures of FEV1 and FVC were derived using the American Thoracic Society (ATS) criteria, firstly removing those values where the technique was judged not to be satisfactory then taking the maximum of the two qualifying measures at 53 years and the three qualifying measures at other ages. Impossible values were removed. 


Data on pollution were also collected as part of the 60-64 (2006-10) sweep.

• You can obtain a list of the standard topic variables to use in an NSHD data sharing request by selecting the link at the end of this page.
  
• The XML version of the link can be sent to the LHA as part of a data sharing request.
  
• Simply use your browser's Save As facility to save the list of variables to a file on your computer.
  
• You can then email the XML version to us in support of your application, or when you fill in the data access application form and it asks which variables you need, mention the 'adult respiratory health standard basket' along with any others.

HTML version of the standard variables to view

Download the XML for the adult respiratory health standard basket