Technical Notes for
Interactive Summary Health Statistics20192023:
National Health Interview Survey
Introduction
Interactive Summary Health Statistics 20192023 are based on the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS)
and provide selected point estimates of health outcomes and their variance estimates. Annual Interactive
Summary Health Statistics 20192023 include estimates for adults and children that are produced each year
and presented in tables and charts. In 2019, the NHIS questionnaire was redesigned to better meet the needs of
data users. Due to changes in weighting and design methodology, direct comparisons between estimates for
2019 and beyond to earlier years should be made with caution, as the impact of these changes has not been
fully evaluated at this time. Thus, estimates based on the 2019 NHIS and beyond are shown separately from
estimates based on the 20152018 NHIS (https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/nhis/KIDS/www/index.htm,
https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/nhis/ADULTS/www/index.htm).
All data used to produce the estimates are also available from the public use data files except for detailed
information on race, Hispanic or Latino origin, and metropolitan statistical area status and Social Vulnerability
Index. This information cannot be made available on the public use files due to potential disclosure of
confidential information. In addition, the variance estimates are produced using sample design information that
is more detailed than available on the public use files. Analysts should be aware that variances may differ
depending on the sample design information used.
The annual Adult and Child Interactive Summary Health Statistics 20192023 summarize data from the NHIS,
a multipurpose health survey conducted by the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS). National estimates
are provided for a broad range of health measures for the U.S. civilian noninstitutionalized population. Estimates
are shown for U.S. adults aged 18 years and over and U.S. children under age 18 years. Tables of Summary
Health Statistics were initially published annually in a single volume of Vital and Health Statistics (VHS), Series
10, entitled “Current Estimates from the National Health Interview Surveyfor survey years 19621996 (1). This
was replaced with a three-volume set of VHS reports (Population, Adult, and Child) for survey years 1997
through 2012 (2–4). For data years 20132018, tables were published only online at the NCHS website, at:
https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/nhis/SHS/tables.htm.
For NHIS data years 20152018, dynamic tables and corresponding charts of selected crude percentages based
on U.S. children and U.S. adults are also available via a data query system in addition to the static tables
provided for NHIS data years 20132018. This system contains only some of the health outcomes contained in
the static tables.
For 2019 and forward, the estimates are published in a data query system similar to the one used for 20152018
(https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/nhis/KIDS/www/index.htm,
https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/nhis/ADULTS/www/index.htm). Annual Adult and Child Interactive Summary Health
Statistics 20192023 are presented for selected diseases and conditions, mental health, health status,
difficulties in functioning, health behaviors, health insurance coverage, cost-related problems accessing health
care in the past 12 months, health care use in the past 12 months, and other health care. Estimates are based on
Technical Notes for Interactive Summary Health Statistics20192023: National Health Interview Survey
2
data from the Sample Adult and Sample Child files, which are derived from the Household Roster, Sample Adult,
and Sample Child components of the NHIS. Unadjusted (crude) percentages are shown by selected population
subgroups including those defined by sex, age, race and Hispanic origin, sexual orientation, education (for adults
aged 25 and over), current employment status, family income, health insurance coverage, marital status,
disability status, nativity, veteran status, urbanization level, metropolitan statistical area (MSA) status, Social
Vulnerability Index and region of residence, and for children, family structure, parental education and
employment status.
Methods
Data Source
The NHIS is the principal source of information on the health of the civilian noninstitutionalized population of
the United States and is one of the major data collection programs of NCHS which is part of the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The National Health Survey Act of 1956 provided for a continuing survey
and special studies to secure accurate and current statistical information on the amount, distribution, and
effects of illness and disability in the United States and the services rendered for or because of such conditions.
The survey referred to in the Act, now called the National Health Interview Survey, was initiated in July 1957.
Since 1960, the survey has been conducted by NCHS, which was formed when the National Health Survey and
the National Vital Statistics Division were combined.
A major strength of the NHIS lies in the ability to categorize these health characteristics by many demographic
and socioeconomic characteristics. NHIS data are used widely throughout the Department of Health and Human
Services (HHS) to monitor trends in illness and disability and to track progress toward achieving national health
objectives. The data are also used by the public health research community for epidemiologic and policy analysis
of such timely issues as characterizing those with various health problems, determining barriers to accessing and
using appropriate health care, and evaluating Federal health programs.
While the NHIS has been conducted continuously since 1957, the content of the survey has been updated about
every 1520 years to incorporate advances in survey methodology and coverage of health topics. In January
2019, NHIS launched a redesigned content and structure that differs from its previous questionnaire design
(19972018) to better meet the needs of data users. The aims of the redesign were to improve the
measurement of covered health topics, reduce respondent burden by shortening the length of the
questionnaire, harmonize overlapping content with other federal surveys, establish a long-term structure of
ongoing and periodic topics, and incorporate advances in survey methodology and measurement. For more
information about the redesigned NHIS visit the website at:
https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/nhis/2019_quest_redesign.htm. Following the redesign, the original set of Summary
Health Statistics indicators published based on the 19972018 NHIS were reevaluated, and a new set was
chosen. A previous redesign occurred in 1997. Comparisons of the 2019 and beyond NHIS data with data from
earlier survey designs should not be undertaken without a careful examination of the changes across survey
instruments.
The revised NHIS questionnaire, which is administered annually, consists of three main components: Household
Roster, Sample Adult, and Sample Child. The Household Roster of the questionnaire collects some basic
demographic and family identification information about all persons in the household. An adult aged 18 years
Technical Notes for Interactive Summary Health Statistics20192023: National Health Interview Survey
3
and over living in the household provides this information. The Sample Adult questionnaire obtains information
on the health of one randomly selected adult aged 18 years and over (the “sample adult”) in the household. The
sample adult responds for himself or herself, but in rare instances when the sample adult is mentally or
physically incapable of responding, proxy responses are accepted. The Sample Adult questionnaire collects
information on health status and conditions, functioning and disability, pain and pain management, health-
related behaviors, access to and use of health care services, mental health, preventive care, and additional
demographic information. The Sample Child questionnaire obtains information on the health of one randomly
selected child aged 17 years or younger (the “sample child”) in the household. The sample child does not have to
be from the same family as the sample adult. An adult knowledgeable and responsible for the health of the child
provides responses about the sample child. The Sample Child questionnaire collects information on health status
and conditions, functioning and disability, behavioral and mental health, and access to and use of health care
services.
NHIS is a cross-sectional household interview survey. The target population for the NHIS is the civilian
noninstitutionalized population residing within the 50 states and the District of Columbia at the time of the
interview. The NHIS universe includes residents of households and noninstitutional group quarters (e.g.,
homeless shelters, rooming houses, and group homes). Persons residing temporarily in student dormitories or
temporary housing are sampled within the households that they reside in permanently. Persons excluded from
the universe are those with no fixed household address (e.g., homeless and/or transient persons not residing in
shelters), active duty military personnel and civilians living on military bases, persons in long-term care
institutions (e.g., nursing homes for the elderly, hospitals for the chronically ill or physically or intellectually
disabled, and wards for abused or neglected children), persons in correctional facilities (e.g., prisons or jails,
juvenile detention centers, and halfway houses), and U.S. nationals living in foreign countries. While active-duty
Armed Forces personnel cannot be sampled for inclusion in the survey, any civilians residing with Armed Forces
personnel in non-military housing are eligible to be sampled.
Because the NHIS is conducted in a face-to-face interview format, the costs of interviewing a large simple
random sample of households and noninstitutional group quarters would be prohibitive; randomly sampled
dwelling units would be too dispersed throughout the nation for cost-effective interviewing. To keep survey
operations manageable, cost-effective, and timely, the NHIS uses geographically clustered sampling techniques
to select the sample of dwelling units for the NHIS. The sample is designed in such a way that each month’s
sample is nationally representative. Data collection on the NHIS is continuous, i.e., from January to December
each year.
The sampling plan is redesigned after every decennial census. A new sampling plan for the 20162025 NHIS was
designed with results of the 2010 decennial census. Commercial address lists are used as the main source of
addresses, supplemented by field listing. As a result, for data collected in 2019 and beyond, the sample is
expected to yield 27,000 sample adult and 9,000 sample child completed interviews. The annual sample size can
be reduced for budgetary reasons or increased when supplementary funding is available.
The U.S. Census Bureau, under a contractual agreement, is the data collection agent for the National Health
Interview Survey. NHIS data are collected continuously throughout the year by Census interviewers. Nationally,
about 750 interviewers (also called “Field Representatives” or “FRs”) are trained and directed by health survey
supervisors in the U.S. Census Bureau Regional Offices to conduct interviews for NHIS.
Technical Notes for Interactive Summary Health Statistics20192023: National Health Interview Survey
4
The NHIS is conducted using computer-assisted personal interviewing. Face-to-face interviews are conducted in
respondents’ homes, but follow-ups to complete interviews may be conducted over the telephone. A telephone
interview may also be conducted when the respondent requests a telephone interview or when road conditions
or travel distances would make it difficult to schedule a personal visit before the required completion date. In
2019, 34.3% of the Sample Adult interviews and 31.7% of the Sample Child interviews were conducted at least
partially by telephone. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, NHIS data collection switched to a telephone-only mode
beginning March 19, 2020. Personal visits resumed in all areas in September 2020, but cases were still
attempted by telephone first. As a result, in 2020, 70.7% of the Sample Adult interviews and 68.0% of the
Sample Child interviews were conducted at least partially by telephone. In 2021, due to ongoing data collection
difficulties posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, NHIS cases continued to be attempted by telephone first from
January to April 2021. Personal visits were used only to follow-up on nonresponse, deliver recruitment
materials, and conduct interviews when telephone numbers were unknown. Starting in May 2021, interviewers
were instructed to return to regular survey interviewing procedures, whereby first contact attempts to
households were made in person, with follow-up allowed by telephone. Interviewers were given flexibility to
continue using telephone first contact attempts based on local COVID-19 conditions. In 2021, 62.8% of the
Sample Adult interviews and 61.4% of the Sample Child interviews were conducted at least partially by
telephone. For 2022, interviewers fully returned to regular survey interviewing procedures, whereby first
contact attempts to households were made in person, with follow-up allowed by telephone. As such, 55.7% of
the Sample Adult interviews and 56.1% of the Sample Child interviews were conducted at least partially by
telephone. Similarly, in 2023 54.5% of the Sample Adult interviews and 54.5% of the Sample Child interviews
were conducted at least partially by telephone.
Estimation Procedures
NHIS is a sample survey. That is, only a sample (subset) of the civilian noninstitutionalized population is selected
to participate in the survey. Additionally, not everyone selected to participate agrees to participate, which can
affect the representativeness of the sample. In order to account for these two factors, sampling weights are
created. These sampling weights are used to produce representative national estimates. The data must be
weighted to obtain population estimates for survey outcomes in the population represented by the NHIS. The
value of the weight for a given respondent can be interpreted as the number of persons in the NHIS target
population represented by that respondent. The sum of the weights over all respondents is used to estimate the
size of the total target population. The weights reflect several steps of adjustments starting with a base weight,
which is inverse to the probability of selection. Households and persons that are more likely to be selected are
given lower weights so that the final estimates are not biased by their increased likelihood of being selected. The
base weights are then adjusted for nonresponse patterns, that is, the different response rates among different
household and person-level subgroups.
The 2019 questionnaire redesign provided an opportunity to evaluate the adjustment approach that had been in
place since 1997. For 19972018, the adjustment approach was based on geography; the weights for
households and persons in geographic areas with lower response rates were increased more than for those in
areas with higher response rates. That way, final estimates were not biased by the latter group’s increased
likelihood of participation. More sophisticated methods to decrease potential nonresponse bias are now
available (5,6), and based on the evaluation, the weighting process for 2019 and beyond was updated. The
updated approach for nonresponse adjustment uses multilevel regression models that include paradata
Technical Notes for Interactive Summary Health Statistics20192023: National Health Interview Survey
5
variables that are predictive of both survey response and selected key health outcomes, the key criteria for
effective bias reduction.
Finally, the nonresponse adjusted weights are typically calibrated to U.S. Census Bureau population projections
and American Community Survey (ACS) one-year estimates for age, sex, race and ethnicity, educational
attainment, Census division or region, and MSA status. In 2020, housing tenure was added to the calibration
step. For the 2021 survey year, the U.S. Census Bureau did not release single-year ACS estimates by housing
tenure, education level, and MSA by Division. Therefore, substitute calibration totals for these variables were
obtained from the 2021 Current Population Survey (CPS) March Annual Social and Economic (ASEC) Supplement.
Prior to 2019, calibration was only to age, sex, and race and ethnicity population projections. These changes to
the nonresponse adjustment approach and the calibration methods have the potential to impact comparisons of
the weighted survey estimates over time.
The Sample Adult and Sample Child weights were used to produce the national estimates contained in tables
and charts. Reports with further information about NHIS sampling weights is available on the 2019, 2020, 2021,
2022 and 2023 data release pages at https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/nhis/2019nhis.htm,
https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/nhis/2020nhis.htm, https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/nhis/2021nhis.htm
https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/nhis/2022nhis.htm and https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/nhis/2023nhis.htm respectively.
Counts for persons of unknown status (responses coded as “refused,” “don’t know,” or “not ascertained”) with
respect to health characteristics of interest are not included in the calculation of percentages (as part of either
the denominator or the numerator), to provide a more straightforward presentation of the data. For most
health measures in these tables, the percentages with unknown values are typically small (generally less than
1%) and would not support disaggregation by the demographic characteristics included in the table. Estimates
based on health characteristics with unknown percentages ranging from 2% to 5% include obesity and receipt of
influenza vaccination.
In addition, some of the sociodemographic variables that are used to delineate various population subgroups
have unknown values. For most of these variables, the percentage unknown is small (generally less than 1%).
However, in the case of parentseducation, nonresponse rates are generally higher. Because it is difficult to
interpret the relationship between “unknownparents’ education and the health outcomes displayed in the
tables, percentages of children in these unknown categories are not shown in the tables or figures. Because of
higher nonresponse, poverty estimates are imputed and there are no unknowns for income. The Imputed
Income files for the sample adult and sample child contain 10 imputations of family income and poverty ratio as
both continuous and categorical top-coded variables.
Data Limitations that Impact Comparisons across Years
Interpretation of estimates and comparisons across years should only be made after reviewing the methods
used to obtain the estimates, changes in the survey instrument, and measurement issues currently being
evaluated. Listed below are some important considerations.
In 2019, the content and weighting methodology were changed relative to earlier versions of the survey. These
changes can make it complex to compare NHIS estimates for 2019 and beyond with those from earlier years. A
working paper entitled “Preliminary Evaluation of the Impact of the 2019 National Health Interview Survey
Questionnaire Redesign and Weighting Adjustments on Early Release Program Estimates,” available from
Technical Notes for Interactive Summary Health Statistics20192023: National Health Interview Survey
6
https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/nhis/releases.htm, discusses these issues in greater detail for several of the health
outcomes included in Interactive Summary Health Statistics 20192023.
In 1997, the content, format, and mode of data collection were changed relative to earlier versions of the
survey. These changes can make it complex to compare NHIS estimates from 19972018 with those from other
survey designs.
Changes in the sample design were implemented in 2006 and 2016 and should also be considered when
comparing estimates across different sample designs (19972005, 20062015, and 2016 and later).
From 20032011, NHIS used weights derived from 2000 Census-based population estimates and beginning in
2012 NHIS weights were derived from 2010 Census-based population estimates. Analysts who compare
estimates from 2012 and beyond with estimates from 20032011 need to recognize that some of the observed
differences may be due to underlying changes in population estimates.
Summary Health Statistics reports of 19972001 and Interactive Summary Health Statistics 20192023 do not
contain age-adjusted estimates. The crude (or unadjusted) estimates from those reports should not be
compared with age-adjusted estimates in tables from reports and tables from 20022018 unless it can be
demonstrated that the effect of age adjustment is minimal.
As previously described, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, NHIS data collection switched to a telephone-only
mode beginning March 19, 2020. Personal visits resumed in all areas in September 2020, but cases were still
attempted by telephone first. These changes resulted in lower response rates and differences in respondent
characteristics for AprilDecember 2020. Additionally, for AugustDecember 2020, a subsample of adult
respondents who completed the NHIS in 2019 were recontacted by telephone and asked to participate again,
completing the 2020 NHIS questionnaire. Estimates for 2020 provided in the interactive data query tool are
based on data from both the re-interviewed and 2020 interviewed-only adult samples. Response rates were
lower and respondent characteristics were different in AprilDecember 2020 as compared to JanuaryMarch
2020. Survey weights were adjusted to account for these changes in respondent characteristics. An evaluation of
nonresponse bias following survey weighting is available online
(https://ftp.cdc.gov/pub/Health_Statistics/NCHS/Dataset_Documentation/NHIS/2020/nonresponse-
report508.pdf). This report showed that the weighted sample still underrepresented adults living alone and
adults with family income below the federal poverty level. Although survey weighting accounted for most of the
difference in the change in sample characteristics, it is possible that some residual effects of the sample change
may contribute to differences in estimates between 2020 and other time periods. In the past, differences
between estimates in Summary Health Statistics (based on final data files) and those found in NHIS Early Release
products (based on preliminary data files) were typically less than 0.3 percentage points. As a result of the
impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on data collection, differences between 2021 NHIS estimates in these
products may be greater.
Variance Estimation, Statistical Reliability, and Hypothesis Tests
All estimates shown meet the NCHS standards of reliability as specified in National Center for Health Statistics
Data Presentation Standards for Proportions (7). Unreliable estimates are indicated with an asterisk (*) and are
not shown. Reliable estimates with an unreliable complement are shown but are indicated with two asterisks
(**). Complements are calculated as 100 minus the percentage. The standards are applied directly for
Technical Notes for Interactive Summary Health Statistics20192023: National Health Interview Survey
7
percentages. Two-sided 95% confidence intervals are calculated using the Clopper-Pearson method adapted for
complex surveys by Korn and Graubard (7). Standard errors used in this calculation were obtained using
SUDAAN software, which takes into account the complex sampling design of NHIS. The Taylor series linearization
method was used for variance estimation in SUDAAN (8).
Definitions of Selected Terms
Demographic Characteristics
AgeRecorded for each person at the last birthday. Age is recorded in single years and grouped into
categories depending on the purpose of the table or chart. Additionally, age in months is calculated for children
in order to restrict analyses of influenza vaccination to children aged 6 months and over.
Disability statusFor adults, disability is defined by the reported level of difficulty (no difficulty, some
difficulty, a lot of difficulty, or cannot do at all) in six functioning domains: seeing (even if wearing glasses),
hearing (even if wearing hearing aids), mobility (walking or climbing stairs), communication (understanding or
being understood by others), cognition (remembering or concentrating), and self-care (such as washing all over
or dressing). Adults who responded "a lot of difficulty" or "cannot do at all" to at least one question were
considered to have a disability. Prior research has shown that disability status is strongly associated with age.
Differences in estimates of health measures shown by disability status may therefore reflect differences in age
For children aged 2-4, those with "a lot of difficulty" or with responses of "cannot do at all" for at least one of
the questions asking about difficulty seeing, hearing, walking, dexterity, communication, learning, and playing,
or who could not control behavior at all are considered with disability. For children aged 5-17, those with "a lot
of difficulty" or with responses of "cannot do at all" for at least one of the questions asking about difficulty
seeing, hearing, walking, self-care, communication, learning, remembering, concentrating, accepting change,
controlling behavior, making friends or who had a response of "daily" to questions asking how often the sample
child feels anxious, nervous, or worried or feels depressed are considered with disability. The remaining sample
children, that is those with "some difficulty" or "no difficulty" for at least one question (and did not have
responses of "a lot of difficulty" or "cannot do at all" for any of the questions) are classified as without disability.
Those with responses of "don't know" or "refused" to all questions are excluded.
Family structure
Refers to parents living in the household. "Parent" can include biological, adoptive, or
step. Legal guardians and foster relationships are classified in "At least 1 related or unrelated adult (not a
parent)."
Hispanic or Latino origin and raceHispanic origin and race are two separate and distinct concepts.
Thus, Hispanic persons may be of any race. Hispanic includes persons of Mexican, Puerto Rican, Cuban, Central
and South American, or Spanish origins. All tables show Mexican or Mexican-American persons as a subset of
Hispanic persons. Other groups are not shown for reasons of confidentiality or statistical reliability.
Hispanic or Latino origin and race is divided into “Hispanic” and “Not Hispanic”. “Hispanic” includes the subset
“Mexican or Mexican American.” “Not Hispanic” is further divided into “White only, non-Hispanic,” “Black only,
non- Hispanic,” and “Other race, non-Hispanic.” Estimates for non-Hispanic people of races other than "White
only, non-Hispanic" and "Black only, non-Hispanic" are combined in the "Other race, non-Hispanic" category.
Technical Notes for Interactive Summary Health Statistics20192023: National Health Interview Survey
8
Marital status A series of questions collects information regarding the marital status of sample adults.
Sample adults are first asked if they are “now married, living with a partner together as an unmarried couple, or
neither.” Married sample adults are asked if their spouse lives in the same residence; if not, they are asked if this
is because the sample adult and his or her spouse are legally separated. Sample adults are also asked to verify
the sex of their spouse or partner that was obtained during rostering, and to correct it, if necessary. Sample
adults who are living with an unmarried partner or who are neither married nor living with a partner or don’t
know or refuse to state their marital status are asked if they have ever been married. Sample adults who are
currently living with a partner and have been married are asked their current legal marital status that is,
whether they are currently married, widowed, divorced, or separated. Sample adults who are neither living with
a partner nor married but have been married are asked if they are widowed, divorced, or separated. Five marital
status categories are possible:
MarriedIncludes all persons who identify themselves as married and who are not separated
from their spouses. Married persons living apart because of circumstances of their employment are
considered married. Persons may identify themselves as married regardless of the legal status of the
marriage or sex of the spouse.
WidowedIncludes persons who have lost their spouse due to death.
Divorced or separatedIncludes persons who are legally separated from their spouse or living
apart for reasons of marital discord, and those who are divorced.
Never marriedIncludes persons who were never married (or who were married and then had
that marriage legally annulled).
Living with partnerIncludes unmarried persons regardless of sex who are living together as a
couple, but do not identify themselves as married. Adults who are living with a partner (or cohabiting)
are considered to be members of the same family.
NativityRespondents were asked if they were born in the United States or a U.S. territory.
RaceRace is based on a respondent's description of the sampled persons’ racial background,
regardless of Hispanic or Latino origin. In addition to single race categories, American Indian or Alaska Native,”
“Asian,” “Black ,” Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander,” and “White,“estimates for two multiple-race
categories“American Indian and Alaska Native and White” and “Black and White” are provided. Other
combinations are not shown separately due to statistical unreliability.
Sexual orientationMale respondents were asked if they think of themselves as gay; straight, that is,
not gay; bisexual; something else; or if they don't know the answer. Female respondents and respondents who
refused or didn't know their sex were asked if they think of themselves as lesbian or gay; straight, that is, not
lesbian or gay; bisexual; something else; or if they don't know the answer.
Veteran statusAdults aged 18 and over were classified as veterans if they ever served on active duty in
the U.S. Armed Forces, military reserves, or National Guard and were not currently on full-time active duty with
the Armed Forces. Prior research has shown that veteran status is strongly associated with age and sex.
Technical Notes for Interactive Summary Health Statistics20192023: National Health Interview Survey
9
Differences in estimates of health measures shown by veteran status may therefore reflect differences in age
and sex.
Socio-economic Status
EducationCategories of education are based on years of school completed or highest degree obtained
for adults aged 25 and over. GED is General Educational Development high school equivalency diploma.
Employment statusAdults aged 18 and over were classified as currently employed if they reported
that they either worked at or had a job or business at any time during the 1-week period preceding the
interview. Current employment includes paid work as an employee in business, farming, or a professional
practice, and unpaid work in a family business or farm. "Full-time" employment is 35 or more hours per week.
"Part-time" employment is 34 or fewer hours per week.
Excluded from the currently employed population are adults who were actively looking for work and adults who
were not working at a job or business and not looking for work.
Family incomePresented as percentage of the federal poverty level (FPL), which was derived from the
family’s income in the previous calendar year, family size, and number of children using the U.S. Census Bureau’s
poverty thresholds (9). These thresholds were used in creating the poverty ratios for NHIS respondents who
provided a dollar amount or supplied sufficient income information in the follow-up income bracketing
questions. Family income was imputed when missing using a multiple imputation methodology. Multiple
imputation accounts for the extra variability due to imputation in statistical analyses. For technical information
about the imputation model, data users can refer to the “Imputed Income Technical Document” available with
the 20192023 file releases on the NHIS website, under “Using the NHIS.” Categories presented are “Less than
100% FPL,” “100% to less than 200% FPL,” and “200% and greater FPL.”
Health insurance coverage—Describes health insurance coverage at the time of interview. Respondents
reported whether they were covered by private insurance (obtained from their employer or workplace,
purchased directly, or purchased through a local or community program), Medicare (including Medicare
Advantage plans), Medigap (supplemental Medicare coverage), Medicaid, Children’s Health Insurance Program
(CHIP), Indian Health Service (IHS), military coverage (including VA, TRICARE, or CHAMP-VA), a state-sponsored
health plan, another government program, or single-service plans.
For persons under age 65, health insurance coverage is based on a hierarchy of mutually exclusive categories.
Persons with more than one type of health insurance were assigned to the first appropriate category in the
following hierarchy: private, Medicaid or other public, other coverage, or uninsured:
Private coverageIncludes persons who had any comprehensive private insurance plan
(including health maintenance organizations and preferred provider organizations). These plans include
those obtained through an employer, purchased directly, purchased through local or community
programs, or purchased through the Health Insurance Marketplace or a state-based exchange, which
were established as part of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) of 2010 (P.L. 111148, P.L. 111152).
Medicaid or other publicIncludes persons who do not have private coverage, but who have
Medicaid or other state-sponsored health plans including CHIP.
Technical Notes for Interactive Summary Health Statistics20192023: National Health Interview Survey
10
Other coverageIncludes persons who do not have private insurance, Medicaid, or other public
coverage, but who have any type of military coverage or Medicare. This category also includes persons
who are covered by other government programs.
UninsuredIncludes persons who had no coverage as well as those who had only Indian Health
Service coverage or had only a private plan that paid for one type of service such as accidents or dental
or vision care.
For adults aged 65 and over, health insurance coverage is based on a hierarchy of mutually exclusive categories.
Adults aged 65 and over with more than one type of health insurance were assigned to the first appropriate
category in the following hierarchy: private, Medicare and Medicaid, Medicare Advantage, Medicare only (no
Advantage), other coverage, or uninsured. When there is a report of both private and Medicare Advantage,
preference to Medicare Advantage is given in the hierarchy.
Private coverageIncludes older adults who have both Medicare and any comprehensive
private health insurance plan (including health maintenance organizations, preferred provider
organizations, and Medigap plans). This category also includes older adults with private insurance only
but excludes those with a Medicare Advantage plan.
Medicare and MedicaidIncludes older adults who do not have any private coverage but have
Medicare and Medicaid or other state-sponsored health plans including CHIP.
Medicare AdvantageIncludes older adults who only have Medicare coverage received through
a Medicare Advantage plan.
Medicare only (no Advantage)Includes older adults who only have Medicare coverage but do
not receive their coverage through a Medicare Advantage plan.
Other coverageIncludes older adults who have not been previously classified as having
private, Medicare and Medicaid, Medicare Advantage, or Medicare only (no Advantage) coverage. This
category also includes older persons who have only Medicaid, other state-sponsored health plans, or
CHIP, as well as persons who have any type of military coverage with or without Medicare.
Uninsured—Includes adults who had no coverage as well as those who had only Indian Health
Service coverage or had only a private plan that paid for one type of service such as accidents or dental
or vision care.
Parental educationReflects highest grade in school completed by the sample child’s mother and/or
father who are living in the household, regardless of that parent’s age. NHIS does not obtain information
pertaining to parents not living in the household. If both parents reside in the household, but information on
one parent’s education is unknown, then the other parent’s education is used. If both parents reside in the
household and education is unknown for both, then parent education is unknown. Parent’s education
information is missing for 2% of sample children (unweighted).
Parental employment statusReflects number of parents living in the household and their working
status (full- or part-time). NHIS does not obtain information pertaining to parents not living in the household.
Technical Notes for Interactive Summary Health Statistics20192023: National Health Interview Survey
11
Geographic Characteristics
Metropolitan statistical area (MSA) statusClassified in three categories: large MSA of 1 million or more
persons, small MSA of less than 1 million persons, and not in an MSA. Generally, an MSA consists of a county or
group of counties containing at least one urbanized area of 50,000 or more population. In addition to the county
or counties that contain all or part of the urbanized area, an MSA may contain other adjacent counties that are
economically and socially integrated with the central city. The number of adjacent counties included in an MSA
is not limited, and boundaries may cross state lines.
The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) defines MSAs according to published standards that are applied
to U.S. Census Bureau data. The definition of an MSA is periodically reviewed. Beginning in 2016, the February
2013 metropolitan and micropolitan statistical area delineations, which resulted from application of the 2010
OMB standards to U.S. Census 2010, are used for NHIS data. MSA status is based on variables in restricted data
files indicating MSA status and MSA size. These variables are collapsed into three categories based on U.S.
Census 2000 population: MSAs with a population of 1 million or more, MSAs with a population of less than 1
million, and areas that are not within an MSA. Areas not in an MSA include both micropolitan areas and areas
outside the core-based statistical areas. For additional information about MSAs, see the Census Bureau’s
website at: https://www.census.gov/population/metro/.
RegionIn the geographic classification of the U.S. population, states are grouped into four regions
used by the U.S. Census Bureau:
Region States included
Northeast Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island,
New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania
Midwest Ohio, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri, North
Dakota, South Dakota, Kansas, and Nebraska
South Delaware, Maryland, District of Columbia, West Virginia, Virginia, Kentucky,
Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Alabama,
Mississippi, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Texas
West Washington, Oregon, California, Nevada, New Mexico, Arizona, Idaho, Utah,
Colorado, Montana, Wyoming, Alaska, and Hawaii
Social Vulnerability Index (SVI)Developed at CDC by the Agency for Toxic Substance and Disease
Registry’s Geospatial Research, Analysis and Services Program (GRASP), the SVI uses Census data to determine
social vulnerability and was designed to help emergency managers identify and map communities that may
most likely need support before, during, and after a disaster. SVI indicates the relative vulnerability of every U.S.
Census tract or county. The SVI ranks each tract or county on 15 social factors, the factors are then grouped into
four related themes as a percentile ranking ranging from 0 to 1, with higher values indicating greater
vulnerability. The overall summary ranking variable was used to categorize four quartiles of vulnerability: scores
from 0 to 0.2500 are categorized as "little to no social vulnerability;" scores from 0.2501 to 0.5000 are "low
social vulnerability;" scores from 0.5001 to 0.7500 are "medium social vulnerability;" and scores from 0.7501 to
1 are "high social vulnerability." The overall summary ranking is based on four ranking variable themes of:
Technical Notes for Interactive Summary Health Statistics20192023: National Health Interview Survey
12
socioeconomic, household composition and disability, minority status and language, and housing type and
transportation, as well as an overall ranking derived from the American Community Survey (ACS) and estimated
at the Census tract level or county level. The SVI indicates the relative vulnerability of every U.S. Census tract or
county. SVI values are updated periodically and the most recent release is incorporated into Interactive
Summary Health Statistics. For this reason, Interactive Summary Health Statistics estimates based on 20192021
data use 2018 SVI values, estimates based on 2022 data use 2020 SVI values, and estimates based on 2023 data
use 2022 SVI values. For more information on SVI, please visit the CDC/ATSDR's Geospatial Research, Analysis &
Service Program website (https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/placeandhealth/svi/index.html).
UrbanicityBased on the 2013 NCHS Urban-Rural Classification Scheme for Counties which groups U.S.
counties and county-equivalent entities into six urban-rural categories: large central metro, large fringe metro,
medium metro, small metro, micropolitan, and non-core. For Interactive Summary Health Statistics, medium
and small metro are collapsed into a single group and micropolitan and non-core are collapsed into a single
group (nonmetropolitan).
Adult Health Outcomes
Selected Circulatory Conditions:
Angina/angina pectorisRespondents were asked if they had ever been told by a doctor or other health
professional that they had angina (or angina pectoris).
Coronary heart diseaseRespondents were asked if they had ever been told by a doctor or other health
professional that they had coronary heart disease.
High cholesterolIn separate questions, respondents were asked if they had ever been told by a doctor
or other health professional that they had high cholesterol. Respondents who answered affirmatively were
asked in separate questions if they had been told by a doctor or other health professional that they had high
cholesterol during the past 12 months, and if they were taking prescribed medicine to help lower their
cholesterol. Respondents had to have been taking those medications or had high cholesterol during the past 12
months to be classified as having high cholesterol.
Diagnosed hypertensionRespondents were asked if they had ever been told by a doctor or other
health professional that they had hypertension (or high blood pressure), and if so, if they had been told on two
or more different visits. Respondents who answered affirmatively were asked if they had been told they had
hypertension (or high blood pressure) during the past 12 months. Respondents who ever had hypertension were
also asked if they were taking prescribed medication for high blood pressure. Respondents had to have been
taking those medications or had hypertension or high blood pressure during the past 12 months to be classified
as having diagnosed hypertension.
Heart attack/myocardial infarctionRespondents were asked if they had ever been told by a doctor or
other health professional that they had a heart attack (or myocardial infarction).
Technical Notes for Interactive Summary Health Statistics20192023: National Health Interview Survey
13
Selected Respiratory Conditions:
COPD, emphysema, chronic bronchitisRespondents were asked if they had ever been told by a doctor
or other health professional that they had chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, COPD, emphysema, or chronic
bronchitis.
Asthma episode/attackRespondents were asked if they had ever been told by a doctor or other health
professional that they had asthma. Respondents who had been told they had asthma were asked if they had an
episode of asthma or an asthma attack during the past 12 months.
Current asthmaRespondents were asked if they had ever been told by a doctor or other health
professional that they had asthma. Respondents who had been told they had asthma were asked if they still had
asthma.
Cancer:
Any type of cancerRespondents were asked if they had ever been told by a doctor or other health
professional that they had a cancer or malignancy of any kind.
Breast cancerRespondents were asked if they had ever been told by a doctor or other health
professional that they had a cancer or malignancy of any kind. They were then asked to name the kind of cancer
they had.
Cervical cancerRespondents were asked if they had ever been told by a doctor or other health
professional that they had a cancer or malignancy of any kind. They were then asked to name the kind of cancer
they had.
Prostate cancerRespondents were asked if they had ever been told by a doctor or other health
professional that they had a cancer or malignancy of any kind. They were then asked to name the kind of cancer
they had.
Any skin cancerRespondents were asked if they had ever been told by a doctor or other health
professional that they had a cancer or malignancy of any kind. They were then asked to name the kind of cancer
they had. Respondents who had skin (melanoma), skin (non-melanoma), or skin cancer (unknown kind) where
classified as having any skin cancer.
Selected Diseases and Conditions:
Arthritis diagnosisRespondents were asked if they had ever been told by a doctor or other health
professional that they had some form of arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, lupus, or fibromyalgia. Those who
answered yes were classified as having an arthritis diagnosis.
Regularly experienced painRespondents were asked how often they had pain in the past three
months. Respondents who reported having pain on most days or every day were classified as regularly
experiencing chronic pain.
Technical Notes for Interactive Summary Health Statistics20192023: National Health Interview Survey
14
Diagnosed diabetesRespondents were asked if they had ever been told by a doctor or other health
professional that they had diabetes. Respondents who had reported having prediabetes, borderline diabetes or
gestational diabetes in previous questions were instructed not to include these conditions.
ObesityCalculated from information that respondents supplied in response to survey questions
regarding height and weight. For both men and women, obesity is indicated by body mass index (BMI) of 30.0 or
higher. Note that self-reported height and weight may differ from actual measurements.
Mental Health:
Regularly had feelings of worry, nervousness, or anxietyIn separate questions, respondents were
asked how often they feel worried, nervous, or anxious and then, thinking about the last time they felt that way,
to describe the level of those feelings. Respondents who reported a) feeling worried, nervous, or anxious daily
and described the level of those feelings as "somewhere in between a little and a lot" or "a lot" or b) feeling
worried, nervous, or anxious weekly and described the level of those feelings as "a lot" were classified as
regularly had feelings of worry, nervousness, or anxiety.
Taking prescription medication for feelings of worry, nervousness, or anxietyRespondents were asked
if they take prescription medication for feelings of worry, nervousness, or anxiety.
Regularly had feelings of depressionIn separate questions, respondents were asked how often they
feel depressed and then, thinking about the last time they felt that way, to describe the level of those feelings.
Respondents who reported a) feeling depressed daily and described the level of those feelings as "somewhere in
between a little and a lot" or "a lot" or b) feeling depressed weekly and described the level of those feelings as
"a lot" were classified as regularly had feelings of depression.
Taking prescription medication for feelings of depressionRespondents were asked if they take
prescription medication for feelings of depression.
Counseled by a mental health professionalRespondents were asked if they received counseling or
therapy from a mental health professional such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, psychiatric nurse, or clinical social
worker during the past 12 months.
Health Status:
Fair or poor health statusRespondents were asked if they would say their health was in general
excellent, very good, good, fair, or poor.
Six or more workdays missed due to illness, injury, or disabilityRespondents who a) worked for pay in
the week prior to the interview, b) had a job or business in the week prior to the interview, but were temporarily
absent, c) had seasonal or contract work for at least a few days in the past 12 months, or d) worked at a job or
business but not for pay for at least a few days in the past 12 months were asked how many days during the past
12 months they missed because of illness, injury, or disability.
Technical Notes for Interactive Summary Health Statistics20192023: National Health Interview Survey
15
Difficulties in Functioning:
Disability status (composite)Disability is defined by the reported level of difficulty (no difficulty, some
difficulty, a lot of difficulty, or cannot do at all) in six functioning domains: seeing (even if wearing glasses),
hearing (even if wearing hearing aids), mobility (walking or climbing stairs), communication (understanding or
being understood by others), cognition (remembering or concentrating), and self-care (such as washing all over
or dressing). Adults who responded "a lot of difficulty" or "cannot do at all" to at least one question were
considered to have a disability.
Difficulty hearingRespondents were asked if they had difficulty hearing (even with hearing aids, for
those who use them). Respondents who reported "some" or "a lot" of difficulty or who could not hear at all
were classified as having hearing difficulty.
Difficulty seeingRespondents were asked if they had difficulty seeing (even when wearing glasses or
contact lenses, for those who use them). Respondents who reported "some" or "a lot" of difficulty or who could
not hear at all were classified as having vision difficulty.
Difficulty walking or climbing stepsRespondents were asked if they had difficulty walking or climbing
steps. Respondents who had "some" or "a lot" of difficulty or could not walk or climb steps at all were classified
as having difficulty walking or climbing steps.
Difficulty communicatingRespondents were asked if using their usual language, they had difficulty
communicating, for example, understanding or being understood. Respondents who had "some" or "a lot"
difficulty or could not communicate at all were classified as having difficulty communicating.
Difficulty with self careRespondents were asked if they had difficulty with self care, such as washing all
over or dressing. Respondents who had "some" or "a lot" of difficulty or could not do these tasks at all were
classified as having difficulty with self care.
Difficulty remembering or concentratingRespondents were asked if they had difficulty remembering or
concentrating. Respondents who had "some" or "a lot" of difficulty or could not remember or concentrate at all
were classified as having difficulty with remembering or concentrating.
Health Behaviors:
Current cigarette smokingIn separate questions, respondents were asked if they had ever smoked at
least 100 cigarettes in their entire life, and if so, do they now smoke every day, some days, or not at all.
Respondents who smoke every day or some days were classified as current cigarette smokers.
Current electronic cigarette useIn separate questions, respondents were asked if they had used an e-
cigarette or other electronic vaping product, even just one time in their entire life, and if so, do they now use
those products every day, some days, or not at all. Respondents who use e-cigarettes or electronic vaping
products every day or some days are classified as current electronic cigarette users.
Technical Notes for Interactive Summary Health Statistics20192023: National Health Interview Survey
16
Health Insurance Coverage:
Uninsured at time of interviewA person was defined as uninsured if he or she did not have any private
health insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), state-sponsored or other
government-sponsored health plan, or military plan. A person was also defined as uninsured if he or she had
only Indian Health Service coverage or had only a private plan that paid for one type of service, such as dental or
vision care.
Private health insurance coverage at time of interviewPrivate health insurance coverage includes any
comprehensive private insurance plan (including health maintenance and preferred provider organizations).
These plans include those obtained through an employer, purchased directly, purchased through local or
community programs, or purchased through the Health Insurance Marketplace or a state-based exchange.
Private coverage excludes plans that pay for only one type of service, such dental or vision care. A small number
of persons were covered by both public and private plans and were included in both categories.
Public health plan coverage at time of interviewPublic health plan coverage includes Medicaid, CHIP,
state-sponsored or other government-sponsored health plan, Medicare, and military plans. A small number of
persons were covered by both public and private plans and were included in both categories.
Uninsured for more than one yearA person was defined as uninsured if he or she did not have any
private health insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, CHIP, state-sponsored or other government-sponsored health
plan, or military plan. A person was also defined as uninsured if he or she had only Indian Health Service
coverage or had only a private plan that paid for one type of service, such as dental or vision care. "Year" is
defined as the 12 months prior to interview.
Uninsured for at least part of the past yearA person was defined as uninsured if he or she did not have
any private health insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, CHIP, state-sponsored or other government-sponsored health
plan, or military plan. A person was also defined as uninsured if he or she had only Indian Health Service
coverage or had only a private plan that paid for one type of service, such as dental or vision care. "Year" is
defined as the 12 months prior to interview.
Exchange-based health insurance coverage - Exchange-based coverage is a private plan purchased
through the federal Health Insurance Marketplace or state-based exchanges that were established as part of the
ACA (Affordable Care Act of 2010. Pub L No 111148, Pub L No 111152.).
Cost-Related Problems Accessing Care in the Past 12 Months:
Did not get needed medical care due to costRespondents were asked if there was any time during the
past 12 months when they needed medical care but did not get it because of the cost.
Delayed medical care due to costRespondents were asked if there was any time during the past 12
months when medical care was delayed because of the cost.
Did not get needed mental health care due to costRespondents were asked if there was any time
during the past 12 months when they needed mental health care but did not get it because of the cost.
Technical Notes for Interactive Summary Health Statistics20192023: National Health Interview Survey
17
Did not take medication as prescribed to save moneyRespondents who reported taking prescribed
medicine in the past 12 months were asked in separate questions if during the past 12 months any of the
following were true: they skipped medication doses to save money, they took less medication to save money,
they delayed filling a prescription to save money.
Health Care Use in the Past 12 Months:
Doctor visitRespondents were asked how long it had been since they last saw a doctor or other health
care professional about their health.
Wellness visitBased on questions that ascertain among those with a doctor visit in the past 12 months,
"Was this a wellness visit, physical, or general purpose check-up? " or a response of "within the past year" to the
question "About how long has it been since you last saw a doctor or other health professional for a wellness
visit, physical, or general purpose check-up?"
Hospital emergency department visitRespondents were asked how many times during the past 12
months had they gone to a hospital emergency room about their health. This includes emergency room visits
that resulted in a hospital admission.
Urgent care center or retail health clinic visitRespondents were asked how many times they went to
an urgent care center or a clinic in a drug store or grocery store about their health during the past 12 months.
Dental exam or cleaningRespondents were asked how long it had been since they last had a dental
examination or cleaning.
Receipt of influenza vaccinationRespondents were asked if they had a flu vaccination in the past 12
months.
Blood pressure checkRespondents were asked when was the last time they had their blood pressure
checked by a doctor, nurse, or other health professional.
Prescription medication useRespondents were asked if they took prescription medication at any time
in the past 12 months.
Other Health Care:
Has a usual place of careIn separate questions, respondents were asked if there is a place that they
usually go if they are sick and need health care, and if so (or if more than one place), to indicate the kind of
place. Respondents who indicated their place of usual care was a hospital emergency room were not classified
as having a usual place of care.
Ever received a pneumococcal vaccineRespondents were asked if they ever had a pneumonia shot.
Child Health Outcomes
Health Status:
Ever having asthmaBased on the question, "Has a doctor or other health professional ever told you
that [child's name] had asthma?"
Technical Notes for Interactive Summary Health Statistics20192023: National Health Interview Survey
18
Current asthmaBased on the question, "Does [child's name] still have asthma?" Question is asked of
sample children aged 0-17 years who were told by a doctor or other health professional that they ever had
asthma.
Daily feelings of worry, nervousness, or anxietyBased on the question, "How often does [child's name]
seem very anxious, nervous, or worried? Would you say: daily, weekly, monthly, a few times a year, or never?"
Question is asked of sample children aged 5-17 years.
Ever having attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorderBased on the question, "Has a doctor or other
health professional ever told you that [child's name] had attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or
attention deficit disorder (ADD)?"
Ever having a learning disabilityBased on the question, "Has a representative from a school or a health
professional ever told you that [child's name] had a learning disability?"
Fair or poor health statusBased on the question, "Would you say [child's name]'s health in general is
excellent, very good, good, fair, or poor?"
Missed 11 or more school days due to illness, injury, or disabilityBased on the question, "During the
past 12 months, about how many days of school did [child's name] miss because of illness, injury, or disability?"
Health Insurance Coverage:
Uninsured at time of interviewChildren are considered uninsured if they did not have private health
insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), a State-sponsored health plan,
other government programs, or military health plan (includes TRICARE, VA, and CHAMP-VA) at the time of
interview. "Uninsured" includes children who had no coverage as well as those who had only Indian Health
Service coverage or had only a private plan that paid for one type of service such as dental or vision care.
Cost-Related Problems Accessing Care in the Past 12 Months:
Delayed medical care due to costBased on the question, "During the past 12 months, has medical care
been delayed for [child's name] because of the cost?"
Health Care Use in the Past 12 Months:
Doctor visitBased on the question, "About how long has it been since [child's name] last saw a doctor
or other health professional about [his/her] health?"
Well child check-upBased on questions that ascertain among those with a visit in the past 12 months,
"Was this a wellness visit, physical, or general purpose check-up?" or a response of within the past year to the
question "About how long has it been since [child's name] last saw a doctor or other health professional for a
well baby/child visit, physical, or general purpose check-up?"
Two or more hospital emergency department visitsBased on the question, "During the past 12 months,
how many times has [child's name] gone to a hospital emergency room about [his/her] health? (This includes
emergency room visits that resulted in a hospital admission.)"
Technical Notes for Interactive Summary Health Statistics20192023: National Health Interview Survey
19
Two or more urgent care center or retail health clinic visitsBased on the question, "During the past 12
months, how many times has [child's name] gone to an urgent care center or clinic in a drug store or grocery
store about [his/her] health? (Urgent care centers and clinics in drug stores or grocery stores are places where
you do not need to make an appointment ahead of time, and do not usually see the same health care provider
at each visit. This is different from a hospital emergency room.)"
Receipt of influenza vaccinationBased on the question, "There are two types of flu vaccinations. One is
a shot and the other is a spray, mist, or drop in the nose. During the past 12 months, has [child's name] had a flu
vaccination? (A flu vaccination is usually given in the fall and protects against influenza for the flu season.)"
Children aged < 6 months are excluded from this estimate.
Prescription medication useBased on the question, "At any time in the past 12 months, did [child's
name] take prescription medication?"
Other Health Care:
Has a usual place of careBased on the question, "Is there a place that [child's name] usually goes if
[he/she] is sick and needs health care?"
Receiving special education or early intervention servicesBased on the question, "Does [child's name]
currently have a special education or early intervention plan? (Consider special education or early intervention
plans received during the past school year.)"
Receiving special education services for mental health problemsBased on the question, "Does [child's
name] receive these services to help with [his/her] emotions, concentration, behavior, or mental health?"
Question is asked of sample children 0-17 who have received services in the past 12 months.
Further Information
Data users can obtain the latest information about NHIS by periodically checking the website
https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/nhis.htm. This website features downloadable public use data and documentation
for NHIS, as well as important information about any modifications or updates to the data or documentation.
Analysts may also wish to join the NHIS electronic mailing list. To do so, go to
https://www.cdc.gov/subscribe.html. Complete the appropriate information and click the “National Health
Interview Survey (NHIS) researchers” box, followed by the “Subscribe” button at the bottom of the page. The list
consists of NHIS data users worldwide who receive e-news about NHIS surveys (e.g., new releases of data or
modifications to existing data), publications, conferences, and workshops.
Technical Notes for Interactive Summary Health Statistics20192023: National Health Interview Survey
20
Suggested Citations
Recommended citations for specific tables and charts are included in the notes at the end of each page. The
citation for the Technical Notes is as follows but should also include the date accessed as it may be edited
periodically when new tables are added.
National Center for Health Statistics. Technical Notes for Interactive Summary Health Statistics 20192023:
National Health Interview Survey. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/nhis/SHS-Tech-Notes-
508.pdf.
References
1. Adams PF, Hendershot GE, Marano MA. Current estimates from the National Health Interview Survey,
1996. National Center for Health Statistics. Vital Health Stat 10(200). 1999. Available from:
https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/series/sr_10/sr10_200.pdf
2. Adams PF, Kirzinger WK, Martinez ME. Summary health statistics for the U.S. population: National
Health Interview Survey, 2012. National Center for Health Statistics. Vital Health Stat 10(259). 2013.
Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/series/sr_10/sr10_259.pdf.
3. Blackwell DL, Lucas JW, Clarke TC. Summary health statistics for U.S. adults: National Health Interview
Survey, 2012. National Center for Health Statistics. Vital Health Stat 10(260). 2014. Available from:
https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/series/sr_10/sr10_260.pdf.
4. Bloom B, Jones LI, Freeman G. Summary health statistics for U.S. children: National Health Interview
Survey, 2012. National Center for Health Statistics. Vital Health Stat 10(258). 2013. Available from:
https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/series/sr_10/sr10_258.pdf.
5. Olson K. Paradata for nonresponse adjustment. The Annals of the American Academy of Political and
Social Science 645(1):142-170. 2013.
6. Valliant R, Dever JA, Kreuter F. Practical tools for designing and weighting survey samples. New York:
Springer. 2018.
7. Parker JD, Talih M, Malec DJ, et al. National Center for Health Statistics data presentation standards
forproportions. National Center for Health Statistics. Vital Health Stat 2(175). 2017. Available from:
https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/series/sr_02/sr02_175.pdf.
8. RTI International. SUDAAN (Release 11.0.0) [computer software]. 2012.
9. DeNavas-Walt C, Proctor BD, Smith JC. Income, poverty, and health insurance coverage in the United
States: 2012. U.S. Census Bureau. Current Population Reports, P60245. Washington, DC: U.S.
Government Printing Office. 2013. Available from: https://www.census.gov/prod/2013pubs/p60-
245.pdf.