The seven categories were not weighted by the severity of loss of optimum health. Each category was assumed to have a weight equal to all others, simplifying the comparison between various other health measures.

The social cohesion scale was based on 7 questions which addressed various aspects of social anomie as normlessness and meaninglessness. Social support was measured by a scale of 6 items addressing primarily the quality of marital relations. Formal networks were measured by participation in union, professional, religious, child or other social groups. Informal networks were measured by the number of friends or family who would assist when asked to do so.