1. The rich multivariate data of the National Center for Health Statistics’ National Health Interview Survey Jane F. Gentleman, Ph.D., Director Division of Health Interview Statistics National Center for Health Statistics

2. National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) Part of CDC Located in Hyattsville, Maryland The Fed Govt’s health statistics agency The principal agency that produces general- purpose health data

3. National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) In the field since 1957 In-person household survey of non- institutionalized civilian population Fielded by Census Bureau since 1957 Microdata released annually online Available back to 1962/63 Research Data Centers with NCHS data: At NCHS in Hyattsville At CDC home in Atlanta At 9 Census RDCs

4. Core topics covered Health status Utilization of health care services Health insurance coverage Health-related behaviors (e.g., smoking, alcohol) Risk factors Injuries & poisonings Demographic & socioeconomic data

5. Some returning major supplements Cancer Control 2000 (20 mins) 2003 (5 mins) 2005 (20 mins) 2008 (5 mins) 2010 (20 mins) Complementary & Alternative Medicine 2004, 2008, 2012

6. And now we release NHIS paradata too Paradata: Data about the survey data collection process Sources of NHIS paradata: –Blaise instrument in laptop (audit trails, keystrokes) –Contact History Instrument in laptop (info about each contact attempt) –Back of NHIS questionnaire (comments from interviewer)

7. A few special things about the NHIS Analysis of NHIS data requires special software. Income imputation is needed. Budget problems have forced the sample size to decrease.

8. Number of persons in NHIS sample, 1962/63 - 2007

9. Use of the NHIS to monitor objectives of DHHS’ Healthy People Program More than 110 Healthy People objectives monitored since 1995 NHIS is used to monitor more HP2010 objectives than any other source

10. Just a few of the HP2010 topics monitored Access to quality health services Arthritis, osteoporosis, & chronic back conditions Cancer Diabetes Disability Physical activity & fitness

11. The NHIS Early Release Program Two quarterly reports: –15 key health indicators –More detail on health insurance One biannual report: –Cell phone usage

12. 15 key health indicators 1.Lack of health insurance coverage & type of coverage 2.Usual place to go for medical care 3.Obtaining needed medical care 4.Receipt of flu vaccination\ 5.Receipt of pneumoccal vaccination 6.Obesity 7.Leisure-time physical activity 8.Current smoking Leisure-time physical activity Current smoking Alcohol consumption Human immunodeficiency virus testing General health status Personal care needs Serious psychological distress Diagnosed diabetes Asthma episodes and current asthma

13. 15 key health indicators, cont. 9.Alcohol consumption 10. HIV testing care 11. General health status 12. Personal care needs 13. Serious psychological distress 14. Diabetes 15. Asthma

14. Prevalence of current smoking among adults aged 18+, 1997 to Quarter 1, 2007

15. Percent For more than a year At the time of interview For at least part of the past year 199719981999200020012002200320042005200620072008 (Jan.–Sept.) Percentage of Children Under Age 18 Who Lacked Health Insurance: U.S. 1997- September 2008 Source: NHIS Early Release Program

16. Percent For more than a year At the time of interview For at least part of the past year 199719981999200020012002200320042005200620072008 (Jan.–Sept.) Percentage of Adults Age 18-64 Who Lacked Health Insurance: U.S. 1997- September 2008 Source: NHIS Early Release Program

17. Percent Employed Unemployed 199719981999200020012002200320042005200620072008 (Jan.–Sept.) Percentage of Adults Age 18-64 Who Lacked Health Insurance by Employment Status: U.S. 1997- September 2008 Source: NHIS Early Release Program