Table 3

Descriptive characteristics of respondents
Characteristics
 Respondents

N
 %
Age

18–25
 12
 4.8
26 to 35
 28
 11.2
36 to 45
 63
 25.3
46 to 55
 54
 21.7
56 to 65
 50
 21.1
66+
 42
 16.9
Gender

Male
 96
 38.6
Female
 153
 61.4
Relationship status

Married/living with partner
 192
 77.1
Living alone
 57
 22.9
Personal experience of serious illness

Yes
 81
 32.5
No
 168
 67.5
Experience of serious illness in family

Yes
 164
 66.1
No
 84
 33.9
Experience of serious illness in caring for others

Yes
 119
 48.0
No
 129
 52.0
Main activity

Employed or self employed
 140
 56.2
Other
 109
 43.8
Education after minimum school leaving age

Yes
 151
 60.6
No
 98
 39.4
Degree or equivalent professional qualification

Yes
 103
 41.4
No
 146
 58.6

McKenna et al. Health and Quality of Life Outcomes 2008 6:65   doi:10.1186/1477-7525-6-65