The development and validation of a short and simple measure of perceived health problems is described. Extensive testing with selected groups, including the elderly, the chronically ill, pregnant women, fracture victims, and a random sample of the community has established the face, content and criterion validity, and the reliability of the instrument. The Nottingham Health Profile is intended as a standardized tool for the survey of health problems in a population, but is equally valid and useful as a means of evaluating the outcome of medical and/or social interventions and as an adjunct to the clinical interview.