Purpose
Variables and the information about the variables are stored in various types of data and documentation files. You need to know what information is in these files and how to access them to prepare for your analysis. You use this documentation to decide which variables to include by consulting the documentation in your analysis and identify the variable names and file locations.
Task 1: Decide which NHANES I variables to include by consulting the documentation
Your analysis will require a subset of the variables available in NHANES I. You will need to know how the variable is coded, data editing, processing, and collection information, and the frequency (or sample size) of the variable. This information is found in the documentation.
IMPORTANT NOTE You cannot determine whether a variable is appropriate to use in your analysis without consulting the data file documentation. Variables may have similar names, be auxiliary, or used for excluding sample persons from certain measures. Read the documentation.
- Key Concepts about Deciding Which NHANES I Variables to Include by Consulting the Documentation
- How to Decide Which NHANES I Variables to Include by Consulting the Documentation
Task 2: Identify variable names and file locations
Variables are stored in different components. Use the list of abbreviated descriptions of variables for each component to identify the variable names and file locations.
Contact Us:
- National Center for Health Statistics
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Hyattsville, MD 20782 - 1 (800) 232-4636
- cdcinfo@cdc.gov
