Study title

Abstract copyright UK Data Service and data collection copyright owner.Data accumulated from Consumers' Association surveys are designed to be used by the consumer. The surveys are, therefore, very specific in nature and the subjects covered diverse. The Data Archive holds 19 such surveys. Readers are asked to note that, with the exception of the surveys on the Telephone Service - 69004, 69016, respondents surveyed are self selected from subscribers to the Association's magazine <i>Which?</i> and so the surveys cannot singly be used in descriptive accounts of the British public. Surveys 69005-69012 cover various aspects of the housing experiences of <i>Which?</i> readers who moved house in 1967 and 1968. It is here particularly important to remember that the choice strategies and the resources of <i>Which?</i> readers are unlikely to be typical.Main Topics:Data include whether child was born in: hospital; GP unit; home or in a nursing home. Ante-natal care: where received; number of visits; type of classes attended; travelling time to and from classes etc.; waiting time; satisfaction with care and information given; and, finally, any criticisms of the service. Home births: satisfaction with arrangements; whether husband was present during labour/delivery; whether doctor was present; whether respondent had enough help with coping with pain; whether midwife encouraged the use of relaxation methods learnt in ante-natal classes. Any difficulties encountered in the birth are noted together with the distance from home to the nearest hospital maternity unit. Arrangements made for other children whilst mother was giving birth are recorded. Post-natal data include: whether respondent felt she got enough rest in the first week after baby's birth; whether baby or mother was referred to hospital during the first 2 weeks after birth; respondent satisfaction with care received. Finally, she is asked to state the advantages and disadvantages...