Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Age distribution among Mainline Protestants by belief in heaven
% of Mainline Protestants who are ages…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Heaven
18-29
30-49
50-64
65+
Sample size
Believe
17%
30%
28%
25%
4,583
Don't believe
12%
27%
29%
31%
848
Other/don't know
10%
26%
32%
33%
515
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Generational cohort among Mainline Protestants by belief in heaven
% of Mainline Protestants who are…
Chart
Table
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Belief in Heaven
Younger Millennial
Older Millennial
Generation X
Baby Boomer
Silent
Greatest
Sample size
Believe
11%
11%
25%
35%
16%
2%
4,583
Don't believe
8%
10%
21%
39%
19%
3%
848
Other/don't know
7%
7%
22%
39%
22%
3%
515
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Gender composition among Mainline Protestants by belief in heaven
% of Mainline Protestants who are…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Heaven
Men
Women
Sample size
Believe
44%
56%
4,683
Don't believe
53%
47%
861
Other/don't know
45%
55%
539
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Racial and ethnic composition among Mainline Protestants by belief in heaven
% of Mainline Protestants who identify as…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Heaven
White
Black
Asian
Latino
Other/Mixed
Sample size
Believe
86%
4%
1%
6%
3%
4,626
Don't believe
87%
2%
1%
7%
3%
848
Other/don't know
90%
2%
1%
3%
4%
521
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Immigrant status among Mainline Protestants by belief in heaven
% of Mainline Protestants who are…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Heaven
Immigrants
Second generation
Third generation or higher
Sample size
Believe
6%
6%
87%
4,636
Don't believe
11%
9%
80%
850
Other/don't know
4%
7%
89%
533
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Income distribution among Mainline Protestants by belief in heaven
% of Mainline Protestants who have a household income of…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Heaven
Less than $30,000
$30,000-$49,999
$50,000-$99,999
$100,000 or more
Sample size
Believe
31%
20%
28%
21%
4,030
Don't believe
16%
18%
29%
37%
754
Other/don't know
25%
20%
29%
25%
424
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Educational distribution among Mainline Protestants by belief in heaven
% of Mainline Protestants who have completed…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Heaven
High school or less
Some college
College
Post-graduate degree
Sample size
Believe
39%
32%
18%
12%
4,658
Don't believe
23%
24%
27%
26%
856
Other/don't know
33%
28%
22%
16%
531
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Marital status among Mainline Protestants by belief in heaven
% of Mainline Protestants who are…
Chart
Table
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Belief in Heaven
Married
Living with a partner
Divorced/separated
Widowed
Never married
Sample size
Believe
54%
5%
12%
10%
19%
4,658
Don't believe
58%
8%
14%
6%
14%
859
Other/don't know
59%
7%
12%
8%
14%
531
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Parent of children under 18 among Mainline Protestants by belief in heaven
% of Mainline Protestants who are…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Heaven
Parents
Non-parents
Sample size
Believe
27%
73%
4,672
Don't believe
24%
76%
856
Other/don't know
22%
78%
534
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Belief in God among Mainline Protestants by belief in heaven
% of Mainline Protestants who say they…
Chart
Table
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Belief in Heaven
Believe in God; absolutely certain
Believe in God; fairly certain
Believe in God; not too/not at all certain
Believe in God; don't know
Do not believe in God
Other/don't know if they believe in God
Sample size
Believe
73%
23%
2%
1%
< 1%
1%
4,683
Don't believe
32%
36%
17%
2%
11%
3%
861
Other/don't know
50%
34%
7%
2%
1%
7%
539
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Importance of religion in one's life among Mainline Protestants by belief in heaven
% of Mainline Protestants who say religion is…
Chart
Table
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Belief in Heaven
Very important
Somewhat important
Not too important
Not at all important
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
58%
34%
6%
1%
1%
4,683
Don't believe
26%
36%
28%
10%
1%
861
Other/don't know
44%
36%
17%
1%
3%
539
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Attendance at religious services among Mainline Protestants by belief in heaven
% of Mainline Protestants who attend religious services…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Heaven
At least once a week
Once or twice a month/a few times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
35%
43%
21%
< 1%
4,683
Don't believe
19%
44%
37%
< 1%
861
Other/don't know
27%
38%
33%
2%
539
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Frequency of prayer among Mainline Protestants by belief in heaven
% of Mainline Protestants who pray…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Heaven
At least daily
Weekly
Monthly
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
58%
23%
7%
11%
1%
4,683
Don't believe
33%
19%
10%
37%
2%
861
Other/don't know
46%
21%
9%
19%
5%
539
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Frequency of participation in prayer, scripture study or religious education groups among Mainline Protestants by belief in heaven
% of Mainline Protestants who attend prayer group…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Heaven
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
21%
11%
10%
58%
< 1%
4,683
Don't believe
11%
6%
7%
75%
< 1%
861
Other/don't know
17%
7%
7%
67%
3%
539
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Frequency of meditation among Mainline Protestants by belief in heaven
% of Mainline Protestants who meditate…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Heaven
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
36%
9%
5%
49%
1%
4,683
Don't believe
33%
12%
6%
47%
2%
861
Other/don't know
36%
10%
5%
45%
4%
539
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Frequency of feeling spiritual peace and wellbeing among Mainline Protestants by belief in heaven
% of Mainline Protestants who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Heaven
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
58%
18%
11%
12%
1%
4,683
Don't believe
45%
17%
13%
24%
1%
861
Other/don't know
50%
16%
11%
19%
4%
539
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Frequency of feeling wonder about the universe among Mainline Protestants by belief in heaven
% of Mainline Protestants who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Heaven
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
42%
17%
14%
26%
1%
4,683
Don't believe
48%
16%
16%
19%
2%
861
Other/don't know
45%
15%
15%
21%
4%
539
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Sources of guidance on right and wrong among Mainline Protestants by belief in heaven
% of Mainline Protestants who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Heaven
Religion
Philosophy/reason
Common sense
Science
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
33%
9%
50%
6%
2%
4,683
Don't believe
12%
19%
56%
11%
2%
861
Other/don't know
20%
12%
56%
4%
8%
539
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong among Mainline Protestants by belief in heaven
% of Mainline Protestants who say…
Chart
Table
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Belief in Heaven
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong
Right or wrong depends on the situation
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
33%
64%
1%
1%
4,683
Don't believe
26%
71%
2%
1%
861
Other/don't know
29%
66%
4%
1%
539
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Frequency of reading scripture among Mainline Protestants by belief in heaven
% of Mainline Protestants who read scripture…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Heaven
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
33%
14%
12%
41%
1%
4,683
Don't believe
17%
10%
13%
60%
1%
861
Other/don't know
22%
11%
9%
54%
3%
539
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Interpreting scripture among Mainline Protestants by belief in heaven
% of Mainline Protestants who say the holy scripture is…
Chart
Table
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Belief in Heaven
Word of God; should be taken literally
Word of God; not everything taken literally
Word of God; other/don't know
Not the word of God
Other/don't know
Sample size
Believe
28%
40%
3%
21%
8%
4,683
Don't believe
7%
16%
1%
67%
9%
861
Other/don't know
9%
24%
5%
39%
24%
539
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Belief in Hell among Mainline Protestants by belief in heaven
% of Mainline Protestants who …in hell
Chart
Table
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Belief in Heaven
Believe
Don't believe
Other/don't know
Sample size
Believe
72%
21%
7%
4,683
Don't believe
12%
86%
2%
861
Other/don't know
16%
29%
55%
539
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Party affiliation among Mainline Protestants by belief in heaven
% of Mainline Protestants who identify as…
Chart
Table
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Belief in Heaven
Republican/lean Rep.
No lean
Democrat/lean Dem.
Sample size
Believe
46%
16%
38%
4,683
Don't believe
34%
14%
51%
861
Other/don't know
38%
22%
40%
539
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Political ideology among Mainline Protestants by belief in heaven
% of Mainline Protestants who are…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Heaven
Conservative
Moderate
Liberal
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
39%
37%
18%
6%
4,683
Don't believe
24%
40%
33%
3%
861
Other/don't know
33%
36%
23%
8%
539
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Views about size of government among Mainline Protestants by belief in heaven
% of Mainline Protestants who would rather have…
Chart
Table
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Belief in Heaven
Smaller government; fewer services
Bigger government; more services
Depends
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
60%
34%
3%
4%
4,683
Don't believe
52%
41%
5%
2%
861
Other/don't know
61%
24%
7%
8%
539
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Views about government aid to the poor among Mainline Protestants by belief in heaven
% of Mainline Protestants who say government aid to the poor…
Chart
Table
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Belief in Heaven
Does more harm than good
Does more good than harm
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
50%
44%
4%
2%
4,683
Don't believe
37%
59%
3%
1%
861
Other/don't know
41%
46%
7%
6%
539
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Views about abortion among Mainline Protestants by belief in heaven
% of Mainline Protestants who say abortion should be…
Chart
Table
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Belief in Heaven
Legal in all/most cases
Illegal in all/most cases
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
58%
38%
4%
4,683
Don't believe
79%
18%
3%
861
Other/don't know
61%
29%
11%
539
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Views about homosexuality among Mainline Protestants by belief in heaven
% of Mainline Protestants who say homosexuality…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Heaven
Should be accepted
Should be discouraged
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
64%
28%
5%
3%
4,683
Don't believe
78%
15%
3%
4%
861
Other/don't know
69%
23%
5%
3%
539
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Views about same-sex marriage among Mainline Protestants by belief in heaven
% of Mainline Protestants who …same-sex marriage
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Heaven
Strongly favor/favor
Oppose/strongly oppose
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
54%
38%
8%
4,683
Don't believe
74%
21%
5%
861
Other/don't know
60%
29%
11%
539
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Views about environmental regulation among Mainline Protestants by belief in heaven
% of Mainline Protestants who say…
Chart
Table
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Belief in Heaven
Stricter environmental laws and regulations cost too many jobs and hurt the economy
Stricter environmental laws and regulations are worth the cost
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
41%
54%
2%
2%
4,683
Don't believe
26%
70%
1%
3%
861
Other/don't know
35%
54%
6%
5%
539
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Views about human evolution among Mainline Protestants by belief in heaven
% of Mainline Protestants who say humans…
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Table
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Belief in Heaven
Evolved; due to natural processes
Evolved; due to God's design
Evolved; don't know how
Always existed in present form
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
24%
35%
4%
32%
5%
4,683
Don't believe
58%
16%
7%
17%
2%
861
Other/don't know
31%
20%
12%
22%
15%
539
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.