Beginning in 1997, the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) was dramatically redesigned. The change in data collection from a paper-and-pencil system to computer assisted personal interview (CAPI) technology was made to improve data quality and timeliness. The content changes were made to meet current public health data needs, to improve accuracy of the data, and to account for changes in our understanding of disease processes and health care delivery systems. A decision was also made to focus on characterizing people rather than health events. The content changes to the NHIS included reduction of certain topics such as detail on doctor visits, inclusion of topics in the annual component that had previously been periodic supplements such as health insurance, and inclusion of new topics such as cognitive impairment. Some questions on topics that had been included in past versions of the NHIS were subjected to changes in wording, placement, reference period, and designated respondent. Given the NHIS role in monitoring the health of the U.S. population over time, it is important to determine what impact these changes may have on data trends. This paper will present the major changes to the NHIS, provide specific examples of these changes, and discuss the impact on estimates using data from 1997 and 1998. This will help determine where major breaks in trend lines must be considered. It will also highlight important topics that are new to the NHIS. Last, an evaluation of whether the overall goals of the redesign were met will also be presented.
Learning Objectives: After this session, the learner will be able to: 1. Identify some major changes in the NHIS 2. Explain why those changes may have caused changes in estimates of health statistics
Keywords: Survey, Statistics
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: National Center for Health Statistics, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: Employee