Table 1 Examples of questions used in questionnaires

Sexual preference

Please indicate your sexuality. Lesbian Bisexual Other (please specify)

Would you describe yourself as.. Lesbian Bisexual Straight Don't know Other.....

How would you describe yourself? Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Heterosexual, Other

How would you describe your sexual orientation or sexuality – Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Heterosexual, Other

Smoking

I smoke

Do you smoke; how many per day; age started smoking:

Do you smoke; how many per day; ever tried to quit?

Problem with alcohol

I regularly drink heavily (more than 10 pints or equivalent a week or I would like to cut down/stop drinking)

Do you drink alcohol; how much in a typical week; do you think the amount you drink is a problem?

How often might you drink 6 or more units of alcohol in one session? 4 questions to assess 'problem' drinking'

Mental health problems/depression

I have experienced emotional/mental health problems

Have you ever been diagnosed with depression?

Have you ever been diagnosed with depression?

Suicide attempts

Have you ever thought of taking your own life; have you ever attempted to take your own life?

Have you ever thought of taking your own life; have you ever attempted to take your own life?

Eating disorders

I have/have had an eating disorder eg anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa

N/A

Have you ever been diagnosed with an eating disorder?

Out to GP

Are you out to your current GP? Yes/no

Are you out to him/her? Yes/no/don't know

Are you out to your GP?

Have you disclosed your sexuality to your GP?

GP reaction

If you have come out to your GP, please briefly describe the reaction you received. (Free text coded as positive, indifferent or negative.)

What response did you get when you came out? (Free text coded as positive, indifferent, negative or no explanation)

N/A

How did they react when they became aware?