I am unable to attach the document - so here is some additional detail. Please contact me if you would like me to send the document - it is very short and contains tables outlining the points below - so might be helpful!
The following points make me question the validity of c_sclfsat1:
Although there has been a drop in satisfaction with health, ratings of 'general health' appear to have remained relatively stable across waves (in addition to other potentially correlated measures such as psychological wellbeing (GHQ-12), measures of personal wellbeing, levels of disability).
When 'satisfaction with health' is cross-tabulated against ratings of 'general health', there is an unsual pattern. A very large propotion of those who are 'completely dissatisfied' or 'mostly disssatisfied' are also rating their health as 'excellent' or 'very good'.
The proportion in these categories are two/three times greater than what is seen when looking at the same assocation in waves 1 & 2 (which are consistant with each other).
Even if there has been a genuine drop in 'health satisfaction', I can't see a reason why the assocation with general health should be so different to what has been seen previously.
I hope that helps to clarify things.
I'd really appreciate this being looked into as this has attracted interest from government ministers who are curious to know what is causing a drop in health satisfaction. So far I am unable to explain it...
Many thanks for your help.
The variables I refer to:
Satisfaction with health: (c_sclfsat1 b_sclfsat1 a_sclfsat1)
General health rating: (c_scsf1 b_scsf1 a_sf1)