National Health Interview Survey

National Health Interview Survey
Name	National Health Interview Survey
Country	United States
Agency	National Center for Health Statistics
Parent	Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Frequency	Annual
Inception	1957

National Health Interview Survey. It is a principal data collection program of the National Center for Health Statistics, which is part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Conducted continuously since 1957, it serves as a major source of information on the health status, healthcare access, and health behaviors of the civilian, non-institutionalized population of the United States. The survey's findings are instrumental for public health policy, epidemiological research, and tracking progress toward national health objectives like those in Healthy People.

History and background

The survey was first conducted in 1957, evolving from earlier health surveys conducted by the U.S. Public Health Service. Its establishment was driven by a growing need for comprehensive, nationally representative data on illness and disability, separate from data collected through the healthcare system. Over the decades, it has been administered by the National Center for Health Statistics, an agency within the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Key legislative acts, such as the Public Health Service Act, have provided the authority for its ongoing operation. The survey's design and content have been periodically revised, with significant changes implemented in 1997 and again in 2019, to address emerging public health priorities and improve methodological rigor.

Survey design and methodology

The survey employs a complex, multistage probability sample design to produce nationally representative estimates. The sampling frame is based on United States Census data, and primary sampling units are selected from across the country. Data are collected through computer-assisted personal interviews conducted in respondents' homes by interviewers from the U.S. Census Bureau. The core questionnaire remains consistent annually to allow for trend analysis, while supplemental modules on topics like influenza vaccination or cancer screening are rotated. Methodological rigor is maintained through strict protocols overseen by the National Center for Health Statistics, ensuring high response rates and data quality comparable to other major surveys like the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

Data collection and content

Interviewers collect data on a wide range of topics, including the prevalence of specific conditions like arthritis, asthma, diabetes, and hypertension. The survey gathers detailed information on health insurance coverage, access to and utilization of medical care, and barriers to receiving services. It also captures behavioral risk factors, such as smoking, alcohol consumption, physical activity, and sleep patterns. Demographic and socioeconomic characteristics, including details on race and ethnicity in the United States Census, education, and income, are collected to analyze health disparities. Additional periodic modules have addressed topics like complementary health approaches and the health impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Key findings and health indicators

Data from the survey are used to track critical health indicators, such as the percentage of adults without health insurance, a key metric monitored by the Department of Health and Human Services. It provides annual estimates of the prevalence of disability and chronic disease burden, informing programs at the National Institutes of Health. The survey has documented long-term trends, such as the decline in smoking rates among adults and rising rates of obesity. Findings on vaccination coverage, particularly for influenza and pneumococcal disease, are used by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. Data also reveal persistent disparities in health outcomes across groups defined by race and ethnicity in the United States Census, income, and geographic region.

Data access and public use

Public use microdata files are released annually and are freely accessible through online systems like the Integrated Public Use Microdata Series and the National Center for Health Statistics website. These files allow researchers at institutions like the RAND Corporation and Johns Hopkins University to conduct independent analyses. Summary statistics and interactive data tools are also provided online for policymakers and the public. The data are a foundational source for other federal reports, including those produced by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality and the Social Security Administration. Access to restricted data with more detailed geographic identifiers is available through the National Center for Health Statistics Research Data Center.

Impact and applications

The survey's data are extensively used by the Congressional Budget Office and the Office of Management and Budget for economic and policy analyses related to healthcare. Epidemiologists and researchers at the American Cancer Society and Harvard University utilize the data to study disease patterns and risk factors. Findings directly influence the development of national health objectives under the Healthy People initiative. State and local health departments, such as the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, use the data for planning and evaluation. The survey also provides essential baseline and monitoring data for major health policy changes, including the implementation of the Affordable Care Act.

Category:Health surveys Category:Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Category:Health in the United States