Introduction to the Tutorials
What is NHANES?
National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES) data
provide a snapshot of the health and nutrition of the U.S.
population.
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As a part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC), the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) conducts the
National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES). NHANES
is the only national survey that collects extensive health
information from both face-to-face interviews and medical
examinations. Data from NHANES surveys have provided unique
opportunities to study major nutrition, infection, environmental,
and chronic health conditions in the U.S.
In 2000, NCHS made
NHANES datasets publicly available on its website. Since then, a
growing number of analysts have taken advantage of this unique
opportunity to study major health conditions in the U.S.
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Why was this tutorial created?
NCHS and the National Cancer Institute (NCI) developed this
web-based tutorial to meet the growing demands of NHANES data users
and to promote broader and more proficient use of NHANES data.
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Novice or experienced, all users face similar challenges
due to the complexity of the survey design and vast amount of
information available in NHANES data. All users need to learn how
to:
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efficiently locate pertinent information on the NCHS website,
which is constantly updated and evolving;
-
quickly retrieve NHANES data files and variables, given the
complex structure and vast amount of the data available; and
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correctly conduct intended statistical analyses with appropriate
attention paid to the nuances of NHANES data, given its complex
sample design, weighting requirements, and data structure.
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What does the tutorial provide?
To best serve the needs of a wide range of users, the tutorial
has included as much information as possible to make it a complete
on-line learning course.
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The tutorial simulates a real life experience of how to
conduct an analytical project from beginning to end, with a
step-by-step logical flow through typical analytic procedures.
Relevant NHANES data information and nuances, tips and explanations
for SAS or SUDAAN programs, downloadable sample program code, and
analytical guidance are organized and integrated into different
modules and tasks to facilitate this learning process.
The tutorial is intended to be:
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a step-by-step course on NHANES data retrieval and
analysis for new users;
-
a self-learning tool for novice and infrequent users to
supplement their knowledge of the NHANES database and the
analysis techniques required to properly analyze this complex
dataset; and
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a reference for experienced researchers highlighting
NHANES analytic nuances and sample program code.
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What's the best way to use the tutorial?
Your own background and learning style will dictate how you can
best use this tutorial.
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- If you are a beginner, you may want to do the tutorial in a
linear fashion, starting with the modules that orient you to the
survey, then progressing through modules on how to prepare an
analytic dataset and how to conduct various types of analyses.
- If you are an experienced NHANES user who is searching for
specific information or types of assistance, you can pick and
choose topics among the modules or even among tasks within
modules.
Use the tutorial's features and content to suit your own
purposes:
- a linear path for users who need step-by-step self-guided
training;
- index pages and easy navigation throughout modules that
allow you to limit your training to information on an "as
needed" basis;
- checklists, summary tables, and animated demonstrations with
audio explanation to enhance learning;
- real-life examples to assist you through the various
processes of data preparation and data analysis;
- sample code and data files for you to practice skills and
run analyses using your own software;
- annotated results with interpretation and comments on
commonly made mistakes, to help you troubleshoot your own
analyses; and
- related links to outside resources, including training for
prerequisite skills; and supplemental information for
experienced users.
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Who is the audience?
We expect users of this tutorial will have different levels of
experience with NHANES data and varied degrees of skill in
statistics and software packages.
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Users will fall into one of these groups:
- public health and other government staff
involved in NHANES analyses;
- research and education community analysts who
use NHANES for scientific studies or education
purposes;
- public health and medical professionals who use
NHANES data for planning, policy making or public
health programs; and
- other users of NHANES statistics or groups
interested in NHANES.
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Page Last Modified:
November 12, 2009
