U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

National Center for Health Statistics

NCHS reports can be downloaded from: https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/index.htm.

NATIONAL CENTER FOR HEALTH STATISTICS

Vital and Health Statistics

Series 1, Number 64 October 2020 

The National Center for Health 

Statistics’ 2015 and 2016 Research 

and Development Surveys 

Programs and Collection Procedures 
Copyright information 

All material appearing in this report is in the public domain and may be reproduced or 

copied without permission; citation as to source, however, is appreciated. 

Suggested citation 

He Y, Cai B, Shin H-C, Beresovsky V, Parsons V, Irimata K, et al. The National Center for 

Health Statistics’ 2015 and 2016 Research and Development Surveys. National Center for 

Health Statistics. Vital Health Stat 1(64). 2020. 

For sale by the U.S. Government Publishing Office 

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Printed on acid-free paper. 
The National Center for Health 

Statistics’ 2015 and 2016 Research 

and Development Surveys

Programs and Collection Procedures

NATIONAL CENTER FOR HEALTH STATISTICS

Vital and Health Statistics

Series 1, Number 64 October 2020

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

National Center for Health Statistics

Hyattsville, Maryland

October 2020
National Center for Health Statistics 

Brian C. Moyer, Ph.D., Director 

Amy M. Branum, Ph.D., Acting Associate Director for Science 

Division of Research and Methodology 

Jennifer D. Parker, Ph.D., Director 

Donald Malec, Ph.D., Associate Director for Science 
 

 

 

 

Contents 

Abstract . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 

Methods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 

Background . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 

Questionnaire Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 

Summary of Operation Processes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 

Sample Weights Development . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 

RANDS Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 

Variables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 

Comparisons Between RANDS and NHIS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 

Descriptive Statistics of Selected Variables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 

Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 

References . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 

Appendix I. Summary of Item Nonresponse Counts and Percentages for Selected Variables in the Data Sets Used. . . . . . 16 

Appendix II. RANDS 1 Questionnaire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 

Appendix III. RANDS 2 Questionnaire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 

Text Figure 

Percentage estimates and standard errors for selected health variables from Research and Development 

Surveys 1 and 2 and the National Health Interview Survey, 4th quarter 2015 and 2nd quarter 2016. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 

Detailed Tables 

1. Variables used in descriptive statistics of the Research and Development Survey. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 

2. Percent distribution of demographic groups in Research and Development Survey 1 and National Health 

Interview Survey, 4th quarter 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 

3. Percent distribution of demographic groups in Research and Development Survey 2 and National Health 

Interview Survey, 2nd quarter 2016 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 

4. Percent distribution of selected health and social-behavioral variables in Research and Development 

Survey 1 and National Health Interview Survey, 4th quarter 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 

5. Percent distribution of selected health and social-behavioral variables in Research and Development 

Survey 2 and National Health Interview Survey, 2nd quarter 2016 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 

Series 1, Number 64 iii NATIONAL CENTER FOR HEALTH STATISTICS 
The National Center for Health Statistics’ 

2015 and 2016 Research and Development 

Surveys 

by Yulei He, Ph.D., Bill Cai, M.S., Hee-Choon Shin, Ph.D., Vladislav Beresovsky, Ph.D., Van Parsons, Ph.D., 

Katherine Irimata, Ph.D., Paul Scanlon, Ph.D., and Jennifer Parker, Ph.D. 

Abstract 

Objective 

This report provides a general description of the 

background and operation of the first two rounds of the 

Research and Development Survey (RANDS), a series 

of cross-sectional surveys from probability-sampled 

commercial survey panels. The Division of Research and 

Methodology of the National Center for Health Statistics 

(NCHS) conducted the first two rounds of RANDS in 

2015 and 2016. RANDS 1 and 2 are being used primarily 

for question design evaluation and for investigating 

statistical methodologies for estimation. 

Methods 

NCHS contracted with Gallup, Inc. to conduct RANDS 1 

in Fall 2015 and RANDS 2 in Spring 2016. RANDS 1 and 2 

were conducted using a web survey mode and included 

survey questions from the National Health Interview 

Survey (NHIS) that were specifically chosen to provide 

comparison and evaluation of the survey methodology 

properties of web surveys and traditional household 

surveys. In this report, some demographic and health 

estimates are provided from both sources to describe 

the RANDS data. 

Results 

In RANDS 1, 2,304 out of the original 9,809 invited panel 

members completed the survey, for a completion rate 

of 23.5%. In RANDS 2, 2,480 of the initial 8,231 invited 

respondents completed the survey, for a completion 

rate of 30.1%. RANDS 1 and 2 participants were similar 

to the quarterly NHIS participants with respect to sex, 

census region, and whether they had worked for pay 

in the previous week. Other characteristics varied, 

including age, race and ethnicity, and income. Most 

health estimates differed between RANDS and NHIS. 

Public-use versions of the RANDS data can be found at: 

https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/rands. 

Conclusion 

RANDS is an ongoing platform for research to understand 

the properties of probability-sampled recruited panels 

of primarily web users, investigating and developing 

statistical methods for using such data in conjunction 

with large nationally representative health surveys, and 

for extending question-design evaluations. 

Keywords: health survey • official statistics • 

probability-sampled recruited panel • web survey • 

National Health Interview Survey 

Introduction 

Sample surveys are a major approach to collecting 

information from populations for producing nationally 

representative estimates, informing policy decisions, and 

providing data for scientific research. In the past, the survey 

approach has mainly relied on three modes of data collection: 

face-to-face interviews, telephone interviews, and mail 

surveys. For many years, these traditional survey modes 

have been effective in collecting targeted information. In the 

field of health, an example is the National Health Interview 

Survey (NHIS), conducted by the National Center for Health 

Statistics (NCHS). NHIS is primarily based on face-to-face 

interviews and is a principal data source for providing official 

statistics on important health variables, including health 

insurance coverage and prevalence of doctor-diagnosed 

conditions (e.g., hypertension and diabetes). 

However, all major surveys using traditional data collection 

methods have been affected by decreasing response 

rates (1). Increasing nonresponse rates raise concerns of 

nonresponse bias of the survey estimates (2), although a 

high nonresponse rate does not necessarily lead to severe 

bias of estimates (3). In addition, for face-to-face, large-scale 

health surveys, the increasing unit cost creates additional 

challenges for implementation. Given the increasing 

implementation cost and decreasing response rates, survey 

researchers and administrators have sought economical 

Series 1, Number 64 1 NATIONAL CENTER FOR HEALTH STATISTICS 
alternative approaches to collecting and disseminating 

information on the nation’s health status that retain the 

scientific and methodological rigor of large-scale health 

surveys. 

In the past 30 years, the internet has fundamentally changed 

the structure of daily communication channels. Exchanging 

emails and sending instant messages over the web are now 

regarded as ordinary activities in most developed countries, 

including the United States. Correspondingly, the field of 

survey methodology and practice has been experiencing 

an innovative and challenging expansion in the form of web 

surveys (4). 

Although many federal data collection organizations are 

including the web as one mode for response, including NCHS 

(e.g., National Hospital Care Survey), many commercial 

probability-sampled recruited panels are designed for web 

surveys as the primary mode, accompanied by traditional 

telephone and mail modes. As the nation’s primary health 

statistics agency, NCHS is interested in understanding 

the properties of these new data sources and their ability 

to provide health-related information. NCHS has used 

this platform to conduct a series of surveys known as the 

Research and Development Survey (RANDS). RANDS serves 

as a research platform for a variety of studies. It has three 

primary objectives: 

1. To understand the properties of commercial probabilitysampled recruited panel survey data; 

2. To use the platform to evaluate survey questionresponse patterns using split-panel designs and 

embedded probe questions, and; 

3. To investigate and develop statistical methods for 

combining and integrating commercial probabilitysampled recruited panel web survey data with data 

from established reference surveys for estimation, 

in particular with NCHS’ core population health data 

collections. 

In web surveys, survey participants can complete the 

questionnaire online and the information is automatically 

transferred to the data collector via the internet. Not only 

do web surveys represent an advance in the evolution of 

self-administered questionnaires, but the overall cost of 

web surveys is also significantly lower than traditional data 

collection methods such as face-to-face interviews, in which 

each completed case may require multiple contacts with 

an interviewer and thus entails interviewer payments and 

logistical costs. Some web survey collections may also reduce 

the time from planning to data collection to data release. 

Despite these apparent advantages and some successful 

real-life applications, web surveys are not immune to various 

types of survey errors seen with traditional surveys, such 

as sampling error, coverage error, measurement error, and 

nonresponse error (5). These errors differ generally between 

web surveys conducted using nonprobability samples and 

those conducted using probability-based samples. There is 

a strong demand for research, in terms of both methods and 

practice, to understand properties of different types of web 

surveys and improve their usefulness (2). 

This report describes the background and implementation of 

the first two rounds of RANDS, conducted in 2015 and 2016, 

referred to as RANDS 1 and RANDS 2, respectively. Because 

RANDS 1 and 2 included survey questions from the National 

Health Interview Survey specifically designed for comparison, 

some demographic and health estimates are provided from 

both sources to describe the RANDS data. Overall, this report 

serves as an informational resource for using and evaluating 

RANDS 1 and RANDS 2. For the goal of evaluating questionresponse patterns, RANDS 2 also included embedded probes 

(questions specifically for measurement research). These 

results are described elsewhere (6). 

Methods 

Background 

The NCHS Division of Research and Methodology contracted 

with Gallup, Inc. to conduct two web surveys (RANDS 1 

and 2) on a variety of demographic, social, and healthrelated topics with the aforementioned objectives using 

its probability-sampled recruited panel, also known as the 

Gallup Panel. Gallup conducted RANDS 1 from November 2, 

2015 through December 9, 2015, and RANDS 2 from March 

29, 2016 through April 13, 2016. 

The Gallup Panel is a probability-sampled recruited panel 

that is intended to be representative of the U.S. population. 

More specifically, at the time of data collection for RANDS, 

the Gallup Panel selected potential members using random 

digit dialing (RDD) of landline telephones and cellphones and 

address-based sampling to contact U.S. households. After 

Gallup recruited a panelist, depending on his or her internet 

access, Gallup invited him or her to complete surveys via 

either email, mail, or phone. Only the panel participants 

with internet access were included in RANDS, and those 

respondents completed the survey via the web. Additional 

details of the Gallup Panel and the quality of its data can be 

found elsewhere (7). 

Questionnaire Design 

To allow for comparisons between RANDS and NHIS as part 

of the research into the properties of web surveys conducted 

using commercial panels, selected questions from NHIS were 

used in the questionnaires for RANDS 1 and RANDS 2. After 

consulting with subject-matter experts, a subset of NHIS 

questions fielded in 2015 and 2016, which are primarily 

from the NHIS Family and Sample Adult questionnaires, 

were used (72 questions in RANDS 1 and 73 questions in 

RANDS 2). In addition to the NHIS questions, a set of 21 

targeted, embedded probe questions were included for use 

with question-response pattern assessments in RANDS 2 (6). 

NATIONAL CENTER FOR HEALTH STATISTICS 2 Series 1, Number 64 
The detailed questionnaires are included in the Appendixes. 

The questions described for this report were used in both 

rounds. The selected NHIS and embedded probe questions 

cover basic demographics and a wide variety of topic areas 

such as medical conditions, health insurance, and access to 

care. 

Summary of Operation Processes 

Both RANDS 1 and RANDS 2 were designed to have a 

responding sample size of 2,000 based on a 40% panel 

response rate (i.e., the completion rate). Random sampling 

was used in multiple strata defined by race and ethnicity 

(non-Hispanic white only, non-Hispanic black only, all other 

non-Hispanic, or Hispanic), age (18–34, 35–54, or 55 and 

over), and education (high school or less, some college, or 

college graduate). 

In both rounds, a “complete” was defined by Gallup as 

clicking the submit button at the end of the survey, whereas 

a “partial” was a participant who started the survey but 

never hit submit. In this report, the term completion rate 

is used to characterize the response rate of RANDS 1 and 

2. In RANDS 1 and 2, the completion rate is defined as the 

number of complete interviews divided by the number 

of interviews (complete plus partial), which follows the 

definition of Response Rate 5 of the American Association 

for Public Opinion Research (8). 

Some details about the operation processes for each round 

are described below. Additional information about the 

sampling and data collection can be found in the technical 

documentation for RANDS 1 and 2 (9,10). 

RANDS 1 

Gallup sent 5,318 randomly selected panel members email 

invitations to RANDS 1 on Monday, November 2, 2015. 

Panelists who had not yet completed the survey also received 

email reminders on three dates (1st reminder: November 6; 

2nd reminder: November 12; 3rd reminder: November 19). 

On November 20, the completion rate was 28.8%, and 1,532 

panelists of the original 5,318 had completed the survey. This 

fell short of the completion rate of 40% and 2,000 completes 

that were expected in the initial 2-week administration time 

for the survey. Based on the completion rate to that point, 

Gallup recommended sending two more reminders to the 

existing sample to try to maximize completion rates (4th 

reminder: November 24; 5th reminder: December 1). 

While early reminders effectively boost completion rates, 

late reminders (such as the fourth and fifth) tend to have 

minimal benefit, and Gallup did not anticipate that these 

reminders would net an additional 500 completes. 

Therefore, Gallup recommended drawing and placing into 

the field additional sample and extending the field period. 

Gallup selected an additional 4,491 panelists of each cell 

in the stratification plan, contacting this group according 

to the following schedule: Invitation sent on November 24; 

1st reminder sent on November 27; 2nd reminder sent on 

December 1; and 3rd reminder sent on December 7. 

RANDS 1 reached the desired 2,000 completes on November 

27, but Gallup let the survey remain active until the third 

reminder for the second sample group was sent. More 

difficult to reach demographic groups tend to be later survey 

participants, and allowing a survey to remain in the field 

until all reminders have been sent typically results in a more 

representative sample (11). 

When the survey administration finished on December 9, 

Gallup had invited a total of 9,809 panelists to complete the 

survey. A total of 2,304 had completed it, for a completion 

rate of 23.5% (7). An additional 118 panelists started but did 

not complete the survey. These cases were not included in 

the descriptive analysis of this report. 

RANDS 2 

Gallup sent a total of 8,231 panel members email invitations 

to the RANDS 2 on Tuesday, March 29, 2016. Panelists who 

had not yet completed the survey received email reminders 

on these dates (1st reminder: April 4; 2nd reminder: April 7; 

3rd reminder: April 11). 

RANDS 2 reached the desired 2,000 completes on April 7 but 

remained in the field until April 13 to allow time for panelists 

to complete the survey after the third reminder. 

A total of 2,480 of the 8,231 invited panelists completed 

the survey, for a completion rate of 30.1% (8). An additional 

148 panelists started but did not complete the survey. These 

cases were not included in the descriptive analysis of this 

report. 

Sample Weights Development 

Gallup provided sample weights for producing national 

estimates for both RANDS 1 and RANDS 2. A brief summary 

on how these weights were developed is provided here. 

Because the Gallup Panel is a probability panel, each 

panel member on the sampling frame had an initial weight 

assigned to each sampled unit (the panel weight). The 

RANDSspecific base sampling weights are derived using 

a combination of the panel weight and the probability of 

selection into RANDS associated with the sampled panel 

member. This overall RANDS sampling weight was calculated 

as the panel weight for the Gallup Panel member multiplied 

by the inverse probability of selection of the Gallup Panel 

member for the RANDS where the probability of selection 

of a panelist within a stratum (defined by race and ethnicity, 

age, and education) was nh/Nh, the ratio of the number 

of panelists sampled (nh) to the total number of panelists 

available (Nh) in that stratum (h). 

These RANDS weights were “normalized” so that the 

sum of the weights was equal to the number of complete 

respondents. The sample weights (before normalizing) 

Series 1, Number 64 3 NATIONAL CENTER FOR HEALTH STATISTICS 
for both rounds of RANDS data were benchmarked 

(poststratified) to U.S. population counts of adults to 

account for the sample design, differential nonresponse, 

and undercoverage of some groups on the sample frame 

using the Current Population Survey population totals. 

This process accounted for the initial sampling weight, 

nonresponse adjustment, and poststratification. 

In the process of poststratification weighting, Gallup 

weighted the actual respondent data to match the known 

demographic characteristics of the U.S. population by age, 

race and ethnicity, sex, education, and region based on the 

latest available population projections. The poststratification 

weighting steps were as follows: 

● First, Gallup poststratified respondents by a total of four 

regions, two sex groups, and five age groups (18–34, 

35–44, 45–54, 55–64, or 65 and over), resulting in 40 

poststratification adjustment cells for region, sex, and age. 

● Second, Gallup poststratified respondents by education 

(high school or less, some college, or college graduate) 

within each of the five age groups. 

● Third, Gallup poststratified respondents by sex within race 

groups (white only, black only, or all other race groups). 

● Fourth, Gallup poststratified respondents by sex within 

ethnicity (Hispanic or non-Hispanic). 

Gallup carried out these steps of adjustment iteratively in 

that order until the stepwise poststratification algorithm 

converged (i.e., the weighted proportions were close enough 

to the targeted proportions for each of the poststratification 

cells). 

Finally, Gallup examined the weight distribution and 

performed some trimming of extreme weights to minimize 

the effect of such weights on the variance of estimates. 

The public-use version of RANDS 1 and 2 data, as well as the 

full information about the exact questions and values used 

for the variables can be found on the RANDS data website. 

Technical documentation that describes operational 

processes and weights development is available on the 

website (9,10). 

RANDS Data 

Variables 

To describe the RANDS data and provide some comparison 

with a survey administered via a more traditional method, 

estimates from a subset of variables collected in RANDS 

were compared with NHIS estimates. The selected variables 

include some basic demographics, major health and 

related social-behavioral variables characterizing survey 

participants’ access to health care, health service usage, 

health conditions, and related health behaviors. To facilitate 

a direct comparison of the estimates of these variables 

between RANDS and NHIS, the coding of the variables was 

harmonized between the two data sources. More specifically, 

selected demographic variables and their groupings are 

included in Table 1. 

Both RANDS and NHIS have multiple questions on the 

general and detailed status of health insurance coverage of 

survey participants. For brevity, in this report only estimates 

from the initial question, “Are you covered by any kind of 

health insurance or some other kind of health plan?” are 

calculated and compared. 

Comparisons Between RANDS and NHIS 

National Health Interview Survey 

NHIS is a cross-sectional survey conducted annually since 

1957 by NCHS. NHIS uses a multistage geographically 

clustered design that results in a probability sample of 

households. All families within a selected household are 

included in the survey. Within a family, one adult and one child 

(if any) are randomly selected and face-to-face interviews 

are conducted with that sample adult and with an adult 

respondent for the sample child. This multistage probability 

design permits representative sampling of the civilian, 

noninstitutionalized U.S. population. The current sampling 

design for NHIS started in 2016; however, NHIS underwent 

a questionnaire and survey format redesign starting in 2019 

(https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/nhis/2019_quest_redesign. 

htm). The 2015 and 2016 sample adult response rates were 

55.2% and 54.3%, respectively. More information on NHIS, 

including public-use data sets and documentation, can be 

found at: https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/nhis.htm. 

Estimation procedure 

In this report, public-use NHIS data are used. Variance units 

and sample weights are provided by NCHS for calculating 

nationally representative estimates and variances. These 

weights account for clustering and stratification. As for all 

probability-sampled surveys, NHIS sample weights are 

based on the inverse probability of selection into NHIS and 

are adjusted for nonresponse and possible coverage errors. 

Both NHIS and the RANDS Gallup Panel use the same general 

principles for weighting adjustments. For nonresponse, 

weighting adjustment cells are used, and for control total 

calibration, poststratification methods are used. Additional 

details on the methods used in NHIS can be found elsewhere 

(12). 

While the NHIS and RANDS sample weights were calculated 

using the same general weighting adjustment principles, 

specifics for implementation of the weighting adjustment 

were different. First, in NHIS, one adult is sampled per 

family and nonresponse adjustments are at a geographical 

level. For RANDS, there was no limit on how many adults 

could be sampled within a household from the Gallup 

Panel. For RANDS, the full Gallup Panel was first stratified 

by race and ethnicity, sex, age, and education, with stratified 

NATIONAL CENTER FOR HEALTH STATISTICS 4 Series 1, Number 64 
random sampling applied. Nonresponse adjustments for 

RANDS were based on region, age, sex, and education. For 

calibration to control totals, NHIS defined cross-classification 

cells according to age, sex, and race and ethnicity, which 

are adjusted by a poststratification factor. For RANDS, 

Gallup used an iterative raking (iterative poststratification) 

procedure controlling for variants of selected age, race and 

ethnicity, sex, and region cross-classes. 

For selected variables in Table 1, estimates of proportions 

are calculated and presented as percentages. The estimation 

is based on weighted response samples that are nonmissing. 

The frequency of missingness of the variables from data sets 

used is displayed in Appendix I. 

Percentage estimates from RANDS are obtained following 

established survey statistics procedures, using the sample 

weights and sampling strata information provided by 

Gallup (Section 2.1.1). Percentage estimates from NHIS 

are calculated using its survey design variables, following 

a standard survey data estimation procedure. In addition, 

because RANDS was conducted in the 4th quarter of 2015 

(sample size 2,304) and in the 2nd quarter of 2016 (sample 

size 2,480), only data from NHIS, 4th quarter 2015 (sample 

size 7,723), and NHIS, 2nd quarter 2016 (sample size 8,256) 

are used for the estimation and comparison. Although RANDS 

sample weights are poststratified to annual benchmarks, the 

data were not collected throughout the year so may not be 

directly comparable to annual NHIS estimates, particularly 

for items that may have some seasonal variation. 

The RANDS and NHIS samples are based on sampling without 

replacement designs, but for calculating estimates and 

standard errors for RANDS and NHIS data, the final survey 

weights were treated as the inverse of selection probability 

from sampling with replacement. This assumes that the 

sampling variation can be approximated by treating the 

corresponding sample weights as inverses of probabilities of 

selection and that the sampling is done with replacement. 

The variance estimation is based on the Taylor series 

linearization approximation approach. This follows standard 

procedures of analyzing complex survey data (13). 

All estimates (proportions, standard errors, and 95% 

confidence intervals) were obtained using SAS PROC 

SURVEYMEANS (SAS 9.3 NC). All estimates meet NCHS 

standards for proportions (14). The statistical significance 

of the comparison of variables between RANDS and NHIS 

is based on the survey-data adjusted chi-squared tests (15) 

and the assumption that the survey degrees of freedom are 

large. Statistical significance at the 0.05 level is used in the 

comparison. 

Note that the purpose of this report is not to present national 

official estimates of the selected variables using either 

RANDS or NHIS data. NCHS official estimates using NHIS 

are typically based on annual data, and related information 

including definition and coding of the variables of interest, 

the corresponding estimates, and scientific implications, can 

be found in the literature documented at: https://www.cdc. 

gov/nchs/nhis/index.htm. 

Descriptive Statistics of Selected Variables 

Descriptive statistics of item nonresponses for selected 

variables in RANDS 1 and 2 are shown in Appendix I. For 

most of the variables, the item nonresponse rates are 

low, ranging between 0% and 5%. The two variables with 

considerable nonresponse rates are family income (around 

20%) and marital status (around 10%). They are higher than 

those from the NHIS data, which are around 9% and under 

1%, respectively. Note that NCHS produces multiple imputed 

income files for NHIS data. These files for NHIS 2016 are 

available at: https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/nhis/nhis_2016_ 

data_release.htm. In this report, because the analysis 

involves the use of multiple incomplete variables, all of 

which are not imputed except for income, only nonmissing 

cases were used for consistency. 

Percentage estimates of selected demographic variables and 

their standard errors from RANDS 1 and NHIS, 4th quarter 

2015 based on nonmissing values (i.e., excluding the item 

nonresponses) are presented in Table 2. No significant 

differences were seen in the distribution of age, sex, census 

region, and whether the respondent worked for pay in the 

last 7 days; however, significant differences were observed 

for all other demographic variables. 

Percentage estimates of selected demographic variables and 

their standard errors from RANDS 2 and NHIS, 2nd quarter 

2016 are presented in Table 3. Unlike RANDS 1, there was 

a significant difference in the age distribution, although 

similarities between sex, census region, and working for pay 

remained. Percentages for all other demographic variables 

were significantly different between RANDS and NHIS. 

Generally, both the RANDS 1 and 2 populations tended to be 

more educated, middle income or higher, and non-Hispanic 

white. 

Percentage estimates and standard errors of all selected 

social-behavioral and health variables from RANDS 1 and 

NHIS, 4th quarter 2015 are shown in Table 4 and the Figure 

(with 95% confidence intervals). For the majority of the 

variables, percentage estimates from RANDS were higher 

compared with NHIS. The percentages that had health 

insurance, could not afford health care in the last 12 months, 

delayed getting health care in the last 12 months, ever had 

asthma, drank more than 12 drinks in the last 12 months, 

felt sad in the last 30 days, and used the internet for health 

information were all significantly higher among RANDS 

participants. In addition, significant differences were seen 

in weight status, meeting physical activity guidelines, selfreported health status, and report of worrying about food. 

Percentage estimates and standard errors of all selected 

social-behavioral and health variables from RANDS 2 and 

NHIS, 2nd quarter 2016 are shown in Table 5 and the Figure 

(with 95% confidence intervals). The pattern was mostly like 

Series 1, Number 64 5 NATIONAL CENTER FOR HEALTH STATISTICS 
Figure. Percentage estimates and standard errors for selected health variables from Research and 

Development Surveys 1 and 2 and the National Health Interview Survey, 4th quarter 2015 and 2nd quarter 2016 

 

SOURCES: National Center for Health Statistics, Research and Development Surveys 1 and 2, and National Health Interview Survey, 4th quarter 2015 and 2nd quarter 2016. 

that from RANDS 1 and NHIS, as the majority of the variables 

were significantly different, with RANDS reporting higher 

percentages. For example, for the variable “couldn’t afford 

health care (last 12 months),” the percentage estimate in 

RANDS 2 was more than twice the estimate in NHIS (33.1% 

compared with 16.0%); for the variable “delayed getting 

care (last 12 months),” the percentage estimate in RANDS 

2 was much higher than in NHIS (28.9% compared with 

11.7%); and for the variable “asthma (ever),” the percentage 

estimate was higher in RANDS 2 than in NHIS (19.2% 

compared with 13.9%). However, a few differences were 

noted in the patterns between RANDS 1 and RANDS 2 when 

compared with NHIS. For example, the percentage estimates 

of the variable “covered by insurance” were not significantly 

different between RANDS 2 and NHIS (92.5% compared with 

90.7%) yet were statistically different between RANDS 1 and 

NHIS (93.4% compared with 90.5%). However, in both cases, 

the estimates were above 90%. In addition, no significant 

differences were seen by smoking status and having more 

than 12 drinks in the last year between RANDS 2 and 

NHIS, although the percentages of these estimates were 

similar to RANDS 1. In addition, reported hypertension was 

significantly higher in RANDS 2 compared with NHIS. 

Although samples from RANDS 1 and 2 are independent, 

their respective estimates for both the demographic and 

health variables are fairly similar, which can be seen in Tables 

2–5 and the Figure. This is consistent with the fact that both 

samples were from the Gallup Panel, and they were sampled 

approximately two quarters apart. 

Both RANDS and NHIS implement poststratification and 

nonresponse adjustments to the U.S population totals of 

certain groups, although the exact processes and benchmark 

totals differ. Differences in the adjustment processes might 

explain why percentage estimates for some demographics 

(e.g., sex and census regions), which are used in the 

poststratification processes for both sources, are similar 

yet not identical, and estimates for other factors such as 

age and race and Hispanic origin are significantly different 

between the two data sources. Application of alternative 

poststratification adjustments for RANDS data were not done 

for this report. For two variables, marital status and family 

income, caution needs to be taken for understanding the 

NATIONAL CENTER FOR HEALTH STATISTICS 6 Series 1, Number 64 
comparisons because the item nonresponse rates for these 

two variables in RANDS are relatively high, ranging from 

10% to 20%. In addition, the distribution of demographic 

variables from RANDS are in general similar between the 

two rounds. 

Summary 

RANDS is a series of cross-sectional surveys from probabilitysampled commercial survey panels that began in 2015. 

RANDS has been used for methodological research at NCHS, 

including the understanding of properties of commercial 

panels, the use of closed-ended probe questions and 

split-panel experiments for evaluating question-response 

patterns, and the development of statistical methodology 

for the calibration of survey estimates that leverage the 

strength of national survey data. RANDS data are available 

for public use. This report described the first two rounds 

of RANDS, RANDS 1 and 2, and presented tabulations of 

selected estimates from the surveys alongside comparable 

estimates from NHIS to inform the understanding of 

properties of commercial panels. 

Research on the web mode of survey administration 

continues to grow and the use of web survey modes is 

increasing in the government sector. At NCHS, for example, 

the web had been used to collect data for the National 

Electronic Health Records Survey. In addition, the web is 

used as a mode of data collection for the 2020 Census and 

in the American Community Survey conducted by the U.S. 

Census (16). 

All surveys are subject to error, both systematic and random 

(5). Recently, there has been growing development and use 

of commercial probability-based panels, which collect data 

either solely or primarily through online questionnaires. 

Recruitment of potential members for commercial 

probability-sampled panels takes place through a stringent 

probability-sampled process. In principle, probabilitysampled panels are expected to be representative of the 

target population and are far less expensive than the 

established household surveys based on face-to-face 

interviews. As a result, probability-sampled recruited panels 

have been viewed by the research community as possible 

alternatives to more expensive traditional probability-sample 

surveys for some applications. However, in practice many 

of the properties of these panels are less well understood. 

For example, although the Gallup Panel is a commercial 

probability panel mainly generated by RDD, RANDS 1 and 2 

only include those who had internet access, who may differ 

from the general population in terms of health and related 

characteristics (17); although other modes of data collection 

are often available for commercial patterns, these cost more 

than the web mode. Further, commercial panels experience 

nonresponse at both the panel establishment stage and 

for specific surveys. RANDS 1 and 2 had relatively high 

conditional nonresponse rates (only around 20% completion 

rates conditional on panel response). Characteristics of 

those who respond and participate in commercial panels 

may differ from those who respond to established surveys. 

Literature on these issues is expanding (18). 

Despite the potential of web surveys based on commercial 

probability-sampled recruited panels for practical use, there 

is scarce literature on assessing the performance of their 

data relative to data from traditional established probabilitysampled household population health surveys (e.g., NHIS) for 

important health outcomes, with or without data from their 

other modes (e.g., telephone). As a methodological research 

platform, RANDS 1 and 2 questionnaires were designed, 

in part, to include a large number and variety of NHIS 

questions to study the performance of these panel-based 

surveys using NHIS as the benchmark survey. Comparing 

RANDS with NHIS provides some basic descriptive patterns 

and serves as the basis for future research. Differences 

between RANDS and NHIS were identified for several health 

and related variables (e.g., asthma, obesity, and access to 

care). However, it is difficult to identify patterns or causes 

of differences. In addition to mode effects, coverage, and 

differential response, other factors related to differences in 

estimates between established household health surveys 

and web surveys from probability-sampled commercial 

panels include differences in sample weighting methods and 

sampling variability. 

One of the primary research objectives for RANDS is to 

investigate and develop statistical methodologies for 

combining information from commercial probabilitysampled panel surveys with national health survey data. Prior 

studies have demonstrated the advantages of combining 

data from multiple surveys to improve the quality of the 

estimates or to obtain better estimates for items available 

from only one source (19). Furthermore, estimates from 

opt-in web surveys are often calibrated to higher-quality, 

traditional surveys to adjust for possible errors in the web 

survey (20). To achieve this, statistical techniques (e.g., 

poststratification, propensity score, and statistical matching 

methods) may be used to calibrate the probability panel web 

survey estimates to NHIS and may reduce or eliminate some 

differences between the data sources (21–23) and lead to 

better estimates overall. NCHS is currently evaluating some 

of these techniques for this purpose (24). 

RANDS provides a unique data source for researchers 

to better understand the properties of survey data from 

probability-sampled recruited panels in terms of collecting 

and estimating health information and for combining 

with other surveys. In addition to statistical methods 

investigations, in-depth analyses of probe questions in web 

surveys for better understanding question-response patterns 

and complementary cognitive research studies are ongoing 

(6). Additional RANDS web surveys have been conducted, 

or are currently being planned, to address specific research 

areas in measurement and estimation, as well as test their 

ability to be used in a timely way to respond to public health 

crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Series 1, Number 64 7 NATIONAL CENTER FOR HEALTH STATISTICS 
References 15. Scott AJ, Rao JNK. Chi-square tests for contingency 

1. Williams D, Brick JM. Trends in U.S. face-to-face 

household survey nonresponse and level of effort. 

J Surv Stat Methodol 6(2):186–211. 2018. 

2. Tourangeau R. Presidential address: Paradoxes of 

nonresponse. Public Opin Q 81(3):803–14. 2017. 

3. Grove RM. Nonresponse rates and nonresponse bias in 

household surveys. Public Opin Q 70(5):646–75. 2006. 

4. Tourangeau R, Conrad FG, Couper MP. The science of 

web surveys. New York, NY: Oxford University Press. 

2013. 

5. Groves RM. Survey errors and survey costs. New York, 

NY: Wiley. 1989. 

6. Scanlon P. Chapter 17: Using targeted embedded 

probes to quantify cognitive interviewing findings. 

In: Beatty PC, Collins D, Kaye L, Padilla J, Willis G, 

Wilmot A, editors. Advances in questionnaire design, 

development, evaluation and testing. Hoboken, NJ: 

John Wiley and Sons. 427–50. 2020. 

7. Rookey BD, Hanway S, Dillman DA. Does a probabilitybased household panel benefit from assignment to 

postal response as an alternative to internet-only? 

Public Opin Q 72(5):962–84. 2008. 

8. American Association for Public Opinion Research. 

Standard definitions: Final dispositions of case codes 

and outcome rates for surveys. 2016. Available 

from: https://www.aapor.org/AAPOR_Main/media/ 

publications/Standard-Definitions20169theditionfinal. 

pdf. 

9. National Center for Health Statistics. RANDS 1 

technical documentation. Hyattsville, MD. 2020. 

10. National Center for Health Statistics. RANDS 2 

technical documentation. Hyattsville, MD. 2020. 

11. Klingwort J, Buelens B, Schnell R. Early versus late 

respondents in web surveys: Evidence from a national 

health survey. Stat J IAOS 34(3):461–71. 2018. 

12. Parsons VL, Moriarity C, Jonas K, Moore TF, Davis KE, 

Tompkins L. Design and estimation for the National 

Health Interview Survey, 2006–2015. National Center 

for Health Statistics. Vital Health Stat 2(165). 2014. 

13. Korn EL, Graubard BI. Analysis of health surveys. 

New York, NY: John Wiley and Sons. 1999. 

14. Parker JD, Talih M, Malec DJ, Beresovsky B, Carroll M, 

Gonzalez JF, et al. National Center for Health Statistics 

data presentation standards for proportions. National 

Center for Health Statistics. Vital Health Stat 2(175). 

2017. 

tables with proportions estimated from survey data. 

In: Krewski D, Platek R, Rao JNK, editors. Current topics 

in survey sampling. New York, NY: Academic Press. 

1981. 

16. U.S. Census. 2020 Census detailed operational plan 

for: 12. Internet self-response operation (ISR). 2018. 

Available from: https://www2.census.gov/programssurveys/decennial/2020/program-management/ 

planning-docs/ISR_detailed_operational_plan.pdf. 

17. Khare M. Estimated prevalence and characteristics 

of web users: National Health Interview Survey, 

2014–2015. American Statistical Association 

Proceedings. 2016. Available from: http://www. 

asasrms.org/Proceedings/y2016/files/389540.pdf. 

18. Bosnjak M, Das M, Lynn P. Methods for probabilitybased online and mixed-mode panels: Selected recent 

trends and future perspectives. Soc Sci Comput Rev 

34(1):3–7. 2016. 

19. Schenker N, Raghunathan TE, Bondarenko I. 

Improving on analyses of self-reported data in a 

large-scale health survey by using information from 

an examination-based survey. Stat Med 29(5):533–45. 

2010. 

20. Pew Research Center. For weighting online opt-in 

samples, what matters most? 2018. Available from: 

https://www.pewresearch.org/methods/2018/01/26/ 

for-weighting-online-opt-in-samples-what-mattersmost/. 

21. Lee S. An evaluation of nonresponse and coverage 

errors in a prerecruited probability web panel survey. 

Soc Sci Comput Rev 24(4):460–75. 2006. 

22. Lee S. Propensity score adjustment as a weighting 

scheme for volunteer panel web surveys. J Off Stat 

22(2):329–49. 2006. 

23. Lee S, Valliant R. Estimation for volunteer panel 

web surveys using propensity score adjustment and 

calibration adjustment. Sociol Methods Res 37(3):319– 

43. 2009. 

24. Irimata K, He Y, Cai B, Shin HC, Parsons V, Parker J. 

Comparison of quarterly and yearly calibration data for 

propensity score adjusted web survey estimates. Surv 

Methods Insights Field. [Forthcoming]. 

NATIONAL CENTER FOR HEALTH STATISTICS 8 Series 1, Number 64 
Table 1. Variables used in descriptive statistics of the Research and Development Survey 

Variable Content and grouping 

Age 18–34, 35–54, 55–64, 65–74, 75 and over 

Sex Female, male 

Race and Hispanic origin Non-Hispanic white only, non-Hispanic black only, non-Hispanic Asian only, other nonHispanic, Hispanic 

Education Less than high school, high school, Associate’s degree or some college, Bachelor’s degree 

or higher 

Marital status Married or living with partner; single or never married; separated, divorced, or widowed 

Family income Less than $50,000, $50,000–$99,999, $100,000 or more 

Census region of residence Northeast, Midwest, South, West 

Employment status (last 7 days) Response to the question, “During the last week, are you working for pay at a job or 

business?” Yes, no. 

Health insurance coverage Response to the question, “Are you covered by any kind of health insurance or some other 

kind of health plan?” Yes, no. 

Could not afford health care (last 12 months) Response to the question, “During the past 12 months, was there any time when you 

couldn’t afford and didn’t get any of the health care services?” Yes, no. 

Delayed getting care (last 12 months) Response to the question, “Have you delayed getting care for any reason in the past 12 

months?” Yes, no. 

Obesity Underweight (BMI less than 18.5), normal weight (BMI 18.5–24.9), overweight (BMI 

25.0–29.9), or obese (BMI 30.0 or more). BMI is calculated by the ratio between body 

weight (kg) and the square of height (meters). 

Diagnosed diabetes (ever) Response to the question, “Other than during pregnancy, have you ever been told by a 

doctor that you have diabetes or sugar diabetes?” Yes, no. 

Diagnosed hypertension (ever) Response to the question, “Have you ever been told by a doctor that you have hypertension 

(high blood pressure)?” Yes, no. 

Diagnosed asthma (ever) Response to the question, “Have you ever been told by a doctor that you have asthma?” 

Yes, no. 

Cigarette smoking status (current, former, never) Based on responses to the questions, “Have you smoked at least 100 cigarettes in your 

entire life?” Yes, no. “How often do you now smoke cigarettes? Every day, some days, or 

not at all?” 

More than 12 drinks (12 months) Response to the question, “In any one year, have you had at least 12 drinks of any type of 

alcoholic beverage?” Yes, no. 

Feel sad (last 30 days) Response to the question, “During the past 30 days, did you feel all or most of the time any 

of the following: sad/nervous/restless/hopeless/an effort/worthless?” Yes, no. 

Meet physical activity guidelines Calculated as the percentage who met the 2008 federal physical activity guidelines for 

aerobic activity through leisure-time aerobic activity (inactive, insufficiently active, 

active) based on responses to the open-ended questions, “How often do you do vigorous 

leisure-time physical activities for at least 10 minutes that cause heavy sweating or large 

increases in breathing or heart rate?”; “How often do you do light or moderate leisuretime physical activities for at least 10 minutes that cause only light sweating or a slight 

to moderate increase in breathing or heart rate?”; and “How often do you do leisuretime physical activities specifically designed to strengthen your muscles, such as lifting 

weights or doing calisthenics?” 

Self-rated health status Response to the question, “Would you say your health in general is excellent, very good, 

good, fair, or poor?” Excellent, very good, good, fair, poor. 

Use internet for health information (last 12 months) Response to the question, “During the past 12 months, have you ever used computers to 

look up health information on the internet?” Yes, no. 

Worry about food Response to the statement, “I worried whether my food would run out before I got money 

to buy more.” Often true, sometimes true, never true. 

NOTE: BMI is body mass index.
 

SOURCES: National Center for Health Statistics, Research and Development Surveys 1 and 2.
 

Series 1, Number 64 9 NATIONAL CENTER FOR HEALTH STATISTICS 
2015 

Table 2. Percent distribution of demographic groups in Research and 

Development Survey 1 and National Health Interview Survey, 4th quarter 

Research and 

Development Survey 1 

National Health 

Interview Survey 

Variable Percent Standard error Percent Standard error 

Age (p = 0.06) 

18–34 

35–54 

55–64 

65–74 

75 and over 

29.5 

33.7 

17.0 

13.4 

6.4 

0.9 

1.0 

0.9 

0.8 

0.6 

29.6 

34.4 

16.7 

11.3 

8.0 

0.9 

0.8 

0.6 

0.5 

0.4 

Female 

Male 

Sex (p = 0.68) 

51.1 

48.9 

1.5 

1.5 

51.8 

48.2 

0.8 

0.8 

Census region (p = 0.72) 

Northeast 

Midwest 

South 

West 

18.1 

21.3 

36.8 

23.8 

1.2 

1.2 

1.4 

1.2 

18.6 

22.4 

36.8 

22.2 

0.8 

0.9 

1.0 

0.9 

Education (p < 0.01) 

Less than high school 

High school 

Associate’s degree or some college 

Bachelor’s degree or higher 

3.6 

37.0 

29.2 

30.3 

0.7 

1.0 

0.9 

0.9 

15.3 

20.9 

30.4 

33.4 

0.7 

0.7 

0.8 

1.0 

Family income (p < 0.01) 

Less than $50,000 

$50,000–$99,999 

$100,000 or more 

38.2 

34.3 

27.5 

1.6 

1.6 

1.4 

44.9 

29.0 

26.1 

1.0 

0.8 

0.9 

Marital status (p = 0.05) 

Married or living with partner 

Single or never married 

Separated, divorced, or widowed 

62.4 

23.2 

14.4 

1.5 

1.2 

1.0 

60.4 

22.1 

17.5 

0.8 

0.7 

0.6 

Race and Hispanic origin (p < 0.01) 

Non-Hispanic white 

Non-Hispanic black 

Non-Hispanic Asian 

Other non-Hispanic 

Hispanic 

72.4 

11.5 

1.0 

0.3 

14.8 

0.9 

0.7 

0.2 

0.1 

0.7 

65.3 

12.1 

5.9 

1.1 

15.7 

1.0 

0.6 

0.4 

0.2 

0.8 

Working for pay (last 7 days) (p = 0.90) 

Yes 

No 

60.4 

39.6 

1.4 

1.4 

60.2 

39.8 

0.8 

0.8 

NOTE: p values are from chi-square tests for comparing Research and Development Survey and 

National Health Interview Survey. 

SOURCES: National Center for Health Statistics, Research and Development Survey 1, and National 

Health Interview Survey, 4th quarter 2015. 

NATIONAL CENTER FOR HEALTH STATISTICS 10 Series 1, Number 64 
2016 

Table 3. Percent distribution of demographic groups in Research and 

Development Survey 2 and National Health Interview Survey, 2nd quarter 

Research and 

Development Survey 2 

National Health 

Interview Survey 

Variable Percent Standard error Percent Standard error 

Age (p < 0.01) 

18–34 

35–54 

55–64 

65–74 

75 and over 

26.9 

34.7 

17.9 

15.5 

5.0 

0.9 

1.0 

1.0 

1.1 

0.7 

30.0 

33.7 

16.7 

11.5 

8.0 

0.8 

0.7 

0.5 

0.4 

0.4 

Female 

Male 

Sex (p = 0.50) 

50.6 

49.4 

1.6 

1.6 

51.8 

48.2 

0.8 

0.8 

Census region (p = 0.91) 

Northeast 

Midwest 

South 

West 

17.7 

21.8 

37.0 

23.6 

1.3 

1.3 

1.5 

1.3 

17.3 

22.6 

36.1 

24.1 

0.6 

0.6 

0.8 

0.8 

Education (p < 0.01) 

Less than high school 

High school 

Associate’s degree or some college 

Bachelor’s degree or higher 

2.2 

36.5 

30.8 

30.5 

0.5 

1.1 

0.9 

1.0 

16.3 

22.9 

30.8 

30.0 

0.6 

0.7 

0.7 

0.8 

Family income (p < 0.01) 

Less than $50,000 

$50,000–$99,999 

$100,000 or more 

32.1 

34.1 

33.7 

1.6 

1.6 

1.6 

43.2 

30.1 

26.7 

0.9 

0.7 

0.8 

Marital status (p < 0.01) 

Married or living with partner 

Single or never married 

Separated, divorced, or widowed 

65.6 

21.4 

13.0 

1.6 

1.4 

1.1 

59.9 

23.2 

16.9 

0.7 

0.7 

0.5 

Race and Hispanic origin (p < 0.01) 

Non-Hispanic white 

Non-Hispanic black 

Non-Hispanic Asian 

Other non-Hispanic 

Hispanic 

73.2 

11.7 

1.1 

0.6 

13.3 

0.9 

0.6 

0.2 

0.2 

0.7 

65.0 

12.2 

6.0 

1.1 

15.8 

1.1 

0.6 

0.4 

0.2 

0.9 

Working for pay (last 7 days) (p = 0.69) 

Yes 

No 

57.7 

42.3 

1.5 

1.5 

58.4 

41.6 

0.7 

0.7 

NOTE: p values are from chi-square tests for comparing Research and Development Survey and 

National Health Interview Survey. 

SOURCES: National Center for Health Statistics, Research and Development Survey 2, and National 

Health Interview Survey, 2nd quarter 2016. 

Series 1, Number 64 11 NATIONAL CENTER FOR HEALTH STATISTICS 
Table 4. Percent distribution of selected health and social-behavioral 

variables in Research and Development Survey 1 and National Health 

Interview Survey, 4th quarter 2015 

Research and 

Development Survey 1 

National Health 

Interview Survey 

Variable Percent Standard error Percent Standard error 

Health insurance coverage (p < 0.01) 

Yes 

No 

93.4 

6.6 

0.8 

0.8 

90.5 

9.5 

0.5 

0.5 

Yes 

No 

Could not afford health care 

(last 12 months) (p < 0.01) 

31.5 

68.5 

1.4 

1.4 

15.9 

84.1 

0.6 

0.6 

Yes 

No 

Delayed getting care 

(last 12 months) (p < 0.01) 

26.1 

73.9 

1.3 

1.3 

10.8 

89.2 

0.4 

0.4 

Obesity (p = 0.01) 

Underweight (BMI less than 18.5) 

Normal weight (BMI 18.5–24.9) 

Overweight (BMI 25.0–29.9) 

Obese (BMI 30.0 or more) 

1.2 

30.9 

33.8 

34.1 

0.4 

1.4 

1.4 

1.4 

1.7 

34.9 

33.9 

29.5 

0.2 

0.7 

0.7 

0.8 

Yes 

No 

Diabetes (ever) (p = 0.91) 

9.0 

91.0 

0.8 

0.8 

9.1 

90.9 

0.4 

0.4 

Yes 

No 

Hypertension (ever) (p = 0.34) 

32.0 

68.0 

1.3 

1.3 

30.6 

69.4 

0.8 

0.8

Yes 

No 

Asthma (ever) (p < 0.01) 

17.2 

82.8 

1.1 

1.1 

12.9 

87.1 

0.5 

0.5 

Smoking status (p < 0.01) 

Current 

Former 

Never 

12.7 

29.9 

57.4 

1.0 

1.3 

1.4 

14.3 

22.3 

63.4 

0.5 

0.6 

0.8 

More than 12 drinks (12 months) 

(p < 0.01) 

Yes 

No 

70.3 

29.7 

1.4 

1.4 

64.4 

35.6 

0.8 

0.8 

Feel sad (last 30 days) (p < 0.01) 

Yes 

No 

18.4 

81.6 

1.2 

1.2 

13.5 

86.5 

0.6 

0.6 

Meet physical activity guideline (p < 0.01) 

Insufficiently active 

Sufficiently active 

Active 

13.4 

25.3 

61.3 

1.0 

1.3 

1.4 

32.8 

20.0 

47.2 

0.9 

0.7 

0.9 

Self-rated health status (p < 0.01) 

Excellent 

Very good 

Good 

Fair 

Poor 

12.7 

41.5 

34.2 

9.6 

2.0 

1.0 

1.5 

1.4 

0.9 

0.4 

28.1 

31.6 

27.2 

10.2 

2.9 

0.7 

0.8 

0.7 

0.5 

0.2 

See footnote at end of table. 

NATIONAL CENTER FOR HEALTH STATISTICS 12 Series 1, Number 64 
Table 4. Percent distribution of selected health and social-behavioral 

variables in Research and Development Survey 1 and National Health 

Interview Survey, 4th quarter 2015—Con. 

Research and 

Development Survey 1 

National Health 

Interview Survey 

Variable Percent Standard error Percent Standard error 

Use internet for health information 

(last 12 months) (p < 0.01) 

Yes 82.8 1.1 52.9 0.9 

No 17.2 1.1 47.1 0.9 

Worry about food (p < 0.01) 

Often true 5.0 0.7 4.0 0.3 

Sometimes true 15.8 1.1 9.8 0.5 

Never true 79.3 1.2 86.1 0.6 

NOTE: p values are from chi-square tests for comparing Research and Development Survey and 

National Health Interview Survey. 

SOURCES: National Center for Health Statistics, Research and Development Survey 1, and National 

Health Interview Survey, 4th quarter 2015. 

Series 1, Number 64 13 NATIONAL CENTER FOR HEALTH STATISTICS 
Table 5. Percent distribution of selected health and social-behavioral 

variables in Research and Development Survey 2 and National Health 

Interview Survey, 2nd quarter 2016 

Research and 

Development Survey 2 

National Health 

Interview Survey 

Variable Percent Standard error Percent Standard error 

Health insurance coverage (p = 0.06) 

Yes 

No 

92.5 

7.5 

0.8 

0.8 

90.7 

9.3 

0.5 

0.5 

Yes 

No 

Could not afford health care 

(last 12 months) (p < 0.01) 

33.1 

66.9 

1.5 

1.5 

16.0 

84.0 

0.6 

0.6 

Delayed getting care (last 12 months) 

(p < 0.01) 

Yes 

No 

28.9 

71.1 

1.4 

1.4 

11.7 

88.3 

0.5 

0.5 

Obesity (p < 0.01) 

Underweight (BMI less than 18.5) 

Normal weight (BMI 18.5–24.9) 

Overweight (BMI 25.0–29.9) 

Obese (BMI 30.0 or more) 

1.3 

29.6 

31.8 

37.2 

0.4 

1.5 

1.5 

1.5 

1.8 

34.1 

33.6 

30.6 

0.2 

0.7 

0.6 

0.7 

Yes 

No 

Diabetes (ever) (p = 0.41) 

10.3 

89.7 

1.0 

1.0 

9.4 

90.6 

0.4 

0.4 

Yes 

No 

Hypertension (ever) (p = 0.01) 

35.2 

64.8 

1.4 

1.4 

31.2 

68.8 

0.7 

0.7 

Yes 

No 

Asthma (ever) (p < 0.01) 

19.2 

80.8 

1.3 

1.3 

13.9 

86.1 

0.6 

0.6 

Smoking status (p < 0.01) 

Current 

Former 

Never 

15.2 

30.2 

54.6 

1.1 

1.4 

1.6 

16.7 

21.8 

61.4 

0.6 

0.6 

0.8 

More than 12 drinks (12 months) 

(p = 0.14) 

Yes 

No 

67.5 

32.5 

1.5 

1.5 

65.0 

35.0 

0.8 

0.8 

Feel sad (last 30 days) (p < 0.01) 

Yes 

No 

19.8 

80.2 

1.3 

1.3 

13.6 

86.4 

0.5 

0.5 

Meet physical activity guideline (p < 0.01) 

Insufficiently active 

Sufficiently active 

Active 

17.7 

22.4 

60.0 

1.2 

1.3 

1.6 

27.1 

19.7 

53.2 

0.9 

0.6 

0.8 

Self-rated health status (p < 0.01) 

Excellent 

Very good 

Good 

Fair 

Poor 

12.8 

37.2 

36.1 

10.5 

3.4 

1.0 

1.5 

1.5 

1.0 

0.6 

27.0 

31.8 

27.5 

10.7 

3.1 

0.7 

0.7 

0.7 

0.5 

0.2 

See footnote at end of table. 

NATIONAL CENTER FOR HEALTH STATISTICS 14 Series 1, Number 64 
Table 5. Percent distribution of selected health and social-behavioral 

variables in Research and Development Survey 2 and National Health 

Interview Survey, 2nd quarter 2016—Con. 

Research and 

Development Survey 2 

National Health 

Interview Survey 

Variable Percent Standard error Percent Standard error 

Use internet for health information 

(last 12 months) (p < 0.01) 

Yes 83.7 1.2 51.3 0.9 

No 16.3 1.2 48.7 0.9 

Worry about food (p < 0.01) 

Often true 4.4 0.6 3.9 0.3 

Sometimes true 14.6 1.1 9.6 0.5 

Never true 81.1 1.2 86.5 0.6 

NOTE: p values are from chi-square tests for comparing Research and Development Survey and 

National Health Interview Survey. 

SOURCES: National Center for Health Statistics, Research and Development Survey 2, and National 

Health Interview Survey, 2nd quarter 2016. 

Series 1, Number 64 15 NATIONAL CENTER FOR HEALTH STATISTICS 
Appendix I. Summary of Item 

Nonresponse Counts and 

Percentages for Selected 

Variables in the Data Sets Used 

Table. Item nonresponse counts and percentages for selected variables in the data sets used 

National Health National Health 

Research and Research and Interview Survey, Interview Survey, 

Development Survey 1 Development Survey 2 4th quarter 2015 2nd quarter 2016 

Characteristic (n = 2,304) (n = 2,480) (n = 7,723) (n = 8,256) 

Count (percent) of nonresponses 

Age 0 (0.00%) 0 (0.00%) 0 (0.00%) 0 (0.00%) 

Sex 0 (0.00%) 0 (0.00%) 0 (0.00%) 0 (0.00%) 

Census region 6 (0.26%) 3 (0.12%) 0 (0.00%) 0 (0.00%) 

Education 0 (0.00%) 0 (0.00%) 24 (0.31%) 27 (3.27%) 

Family income 512 (22.22%) 501 (20.20%) 622 (8.05%) 666 (8.07%) 

Marital status 144 (6.25%) 320 (12.90%) 18 (0.23%) 16 (0.19%) 

Race and Hispanic origin 19 (0.82%) 13 (0.52%) 0 (0.00%) 0 (0.00%) 

Working for pay (last 7 days) 0 (0.00%) 0 (0.00%) 0 (0.00%) 0 (0.00%) 

Health insurance coverage 10 (0.43%) 17 (0.69%) 32 (0.41%) 39 (0.47%) 

Could not afford health care (last 12 months) 86 (3.73%) 100 (4.03%) 80 (1.04%) 77 (0.93%) 

Delayed getting care (last 12 months) 101 (4.38%) 98 (3.95%) 87 (1.13%) 79 (0.96%) 

Obesity 70 (3.04%) 86 (3.47%) 267 (3.46%) 276 (3.34%) 

Diabetes (ever) 10 (0.43%) 22 (0.89%) 3 (0.04%) 7 (0.08%) 

Hypertension (ever) 17 (0.74%) 36 (1.45%) 6 (0.08%) 13 (0.16%) 

Asthma (ever) 15 (0.65%) 25 (1.00%) 4 (0.05%) 4 (0.05%) 

Smoking status 18 (0.78%) 35 (1.41%) 35 (0.45%) 29 (0.35%) 

More than 12 drinks (12 months) 20 (0.87%) 22 (0.89%) 60 (0.78%) 57 (0.69%) 

Feel sad (last 30 days) 0 (0.00%) 0 (0.00%) 0 (0.00%) 0 (0.00%) 

Meet physical activity guideline 0 (0.00%) 0 (0.00%) 133 (1.72%) 167 (2.02%) 

Self-rated health status 14 (0.61%) 19 (0.77%) 5 (0.06%) 3 (0.04%) 

Use internet for health information (last 12 months) 17 (0.74%) 25 (1.01%) 3 (0.04%) 1 (0.01%) 

Worry about food 21 (0.91%) 22 (0.89%) 143 (1.85%) 112 (1.36%) 

SOURCES: National Center for Health Statistics, Research and Development Surveys 1 and 2, and National Health Interview Survey, 4th quarter 2015 and 

2nd quarter 2016. 

NATIONAL CENTER FOR HEALTH STATISTICS 16 Series 1, Number 64 
Appendix II. RANDS 1 

Questionnaire 

RANDS1 Questionnaire 

PHSTAT 

Would you say health in general is excellent, very good, good, fair, or poor? 

1 Excellent 

2 Very good 

3 Good 

4 Fair 

5 Poor 

9 (Don’t Know) 

________________________NEW SCREEN________________________ 

These next questions are about whether you were always able to afford the food you needed in the 

last 30 days. 

First, you are going to see several statements that people have made about their food situation. For 

these statements, please indicate whether the statement was often true, sometimes true, or never 

true for you in the last 30 days. 

FSRUNOUT 

I worried whether my food would run out before I got money to buy more 

1 Often true 

2 Sometimes true 

3 Never true 

9 (Don’t Know) 

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Series 1, Number 64 17 NATIONAL CENTER FOR HEALTH STATISTICS 
 

 

FSLAST 

The food that I bought just didn't last, and I didn't have money to get more. 

1 Often true 

2 Sometimes true 

3 Never true 

9 (Don’t Know) 

FSBALANC 

I couldn't afford to eat balanced meals. 

1 Often true 

2 Sometimes true 

3 Never true 

9 (Don’t Know) 

________________________NEW SCREEN________________________ 

FSSKIP 

In the last 30 days, did you ever cut the size of your meals or skip meals because there wasn't 

enough money for food? 

1 Yes 

2 No 

9 (Don’t Know) 

FSLESS 

In the last 30 days, did you ever eat less than you felt you should because there wasn't enough 

money for food? 

1 Yes 

2 No 

9 (Don’t Know) 

FSHUNGRY 

In the last 30 days, were you ever hungry but didn't eat because there wasn't enough money for 

food? 

1 Yes 

2 No 

9 (Don’t Know) 

FSWEIGHT 

In the last 30 days, did you lose weight because there wasn't enough money for food? 

1 Yes 

2 No 

9 (Don’t Know) 

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NATIONAL CENTER FOR HEALTH STATISTICS 18 Series 1, Number 64 
 

 

________________________NEW SCREEN________________________ 

FHCDV2W 

During the last 2 weeks, did you see a doctor or other health care professional at a doctor's office, a 

clinic, an emergency room, or some other place? 

1 Yes 

2 No 

9 (Don’t Know) 

Skip: (If code 1 in FHCDV2W, continue, otherwise skip to F10DVRY) 

________________________NEW SCREEN________________________ 

PHCDVN2W 

How many times did you visit a doctor or other health care professional during the last 2 weeks? 

Please enter a number between 0 and 14. 

________________________NEW SCREEN________________________ 

F10DVYR 

During the past 12 months, did you receive care from doctors or other health care professionals 10 

or more times? Do not include telephone calls. 

1 Yes 

2 No 

9 (Don’t Know) 

________________________NEW SCREEN________________________ 

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Series 1, Number 64 19 NATIONAL CENTER FOR HEALTH STATISTICS 
 

 

FHICOV 

The next few questions are about health insurance, including health insurance obtained through 

employment, purchased directly, as well as government programs like Medicare and Medicaid that 

provide Medical care or help pay medical bills. 

Are you covered by any kind of health insurance or some other kind of health care plan? 

1 Yes 

2 No 

9 (Don’t Know) 

Skip: (If code 2 in FHICOV skip to WRKCOR, otherwise continue) 

________________________NEW SCREEN________________________ 

HIKIND 

Do you have any of the following kinds of health insurance or health care coverage? Include those 

plans that pay for only one type of service, such as nursing home care, accidents, or dental care. 

Exclude private plans that only provide extra cash while hospitalized. 

1 Yes 

2 No 

9 (Don’t know) 

HIKIND_1 Private Health Insurance 

HIKIND_2 Medicare 

HIKIND_3 Medi-Gap 

HIKIND_4 Medicaid 

HIKIND_5 SCHIP (CHIP/Children's Health Insurance Program) 

HIKIND_6 Military health care (TRICARE/VA/CHAMP-VA) 

HIKIND_7 Indian Health Service 

HIKIND_8 State-sponsored health plan 

HIKIND_9 Other government program 

HIKIND_10 Single service plan (e.g., dental, vision, prescriptions) 

Skip: (If code 1 in HIKIND_1, continue, otherwise skip to WRKCOR) 

________________________NEW SCREEN________________________ 

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NATIONAL CENTER FOR HEALTH STATISTICS 20 Series 1, Number 64 
 

PLNMGD 

What type of private plan do you have? 

1 HMO (Health Maintenance Organization) 

2 IPA (Individual Practice Plan) 

3 PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) 

4 POS (Point of Service) 

5 Fee-for-Service 

6 Indemnity 

7 Some Other Kind of Plan 

9 (Don’t Know) 

MGCHMD 

Under your private plan, can you choose any doctor or must you choose one from a specific group 

or list of doctors? 

1 Choose Any Doctor 

2 Choose from a Group or List 

9 (Don’t Know) 

PCPREQ 

Does this plan require you to have a primary care doctor who approves all your care? 

1 Yes 

2 No 

9 (Don’t Know) 

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Series 1, Number 64 21 NATIONAL CENTER FOR HEALTH STATISTICS 
 

 

 

 

________________________NEW SCREEN________________________ 

The next questions are about the work you do. 

WRKCOR 

Which of the following were you doing last week? 

1 Working for pay at a job or business 

2 With a job or business but not at work 

3 Looking for work 

4 Working, but not for pay, at a family-owned job or business 

5 Not working at a job or business and not looking for work 

9 (Don’t Know) 

Skip note: (If code 2,3,4, or 5 continue, otherwise skip to HYPEV) 

WHYNOWK2 

What is the main reason you did not work last week? 

1 Taking care of house or family 

2 Going to school 

3 Retired 

4 On a planned vacation from work 

5 On family or maternity leave 

6 Temporarily unable to work for health reasons 

7 Have job or contract and off-season 

8 On layoff 

9 Disabled 

10 Other 

99 (Don’t Know) 

________________________NEW SCREEN________________________ 

The next series of questions will ask you about certain medical conditions. 

HYPEV 

Have you ever been told by a doctor or other health professional that you had hypertension, also 

called high blood pressure? 

1 Yes 

2 No 

9 (Don’t Know) 

Skip: (If code 1 in HYPEV continue, otherwise skip to EPHEV) 

________________________NEW SCREEN________________________ 

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NATIONAL CENTER FOR HEALTH STATISTICS 22 Series 1, Number 64 
 

HYPMDEV2 

Has a doctor ever prescribed any medicine for your high blood pressure? 

1 Yes 

2 No 

9 (Don’t Know) 

HYPMED2 

Are you now taking any medicine prescribed by a doctor for your high blood pressure? 

1 Yes 

2 No 

9 (Don’t Know) 

________________________NEW SCREEN________________________ 

EPHEV 

Have you ever been told by a doctor or other health professional that you had emphysema? 

1 Yes 

2 No 

9 (Don’t Know) 

COPDEV 

Have you ever been told by a doctor or other health professional that you had chronic obstructive 

pulmonary disease, also called COPD? 

1 Yes 

2 No 

9 (Don’t Know) 

AASMEV 

Have you ever been told by a doctor or other health professional that you had asthma? 

1 Yes 

2 No 

9 (Don’t Know) 

Skip: (If code 1 AASMEV continue, otherwise skip to DIBEV) 

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Series 1, Number 64 23 NATIONAL CENTER FOR HEALTH STATISTICS 
 

 

________________________NEW SCREEN________________________ 

AASSTILL 

Do you still have asthma? 

1 Yes 

2 No 

9 (Don’t Know) 

AASMYR 

During the past 12 months have you had an episode of asthma, or an asthma attack? 

1 Yes 

2 No 

9 (Don’t Know) 

AASMERYR 

During the past 12 months have you had to visit an emergency room or urgent care center because 

of asthma? 

1 Yes 

2 No 

9 (Don’t Know) 

________________________NEW SCREEN________________________ 

DIBEV 

Other than during pregnancy, have you ever been told by a doctor or other health professional that 

you have diabetes or sugar diabetes? 

1 Yes 

2 No 

3 Borderline 

9 (Don’t Know) 

Skip: (If code 1 in DIBEV skip to DIBAGE, if code 3 skip to INSLN, otherwise continue) 

________________________NEW SCREEN________________________ 

DIBPRE1 

Have you ever been told by a doctor or other health professional that you have any of the following: 

prediabetes, impaired fasting glucose, impaired glucose tolerance, borderline diabetes, or high blood 

sugar? 

1 Yes 

2 No 

9 (Don’t Know) 

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NATIONAL CENTER FOR HEALTH STATISTICS 24 Series 1, Number 64 
 

 

Skip: (All in DIBPRE1: If code 1 in DIBPRE1 skip to INSLN, otherwise skip to CBRCHRY) 

________________________NEW SCREEN________________________ 

DIBAGE 

How old were you when a doctor or other health professional first told you that you had diabetes or 

sugar diabetes? 

[OPEN ENDED] 

Skip: (If code 1 in DIBEV or code 1 in DIBRE1, continue, otherwise skip to CBRCHRY) 

________________________NEW SCREEN________________________ 

INSLN 

Are you now taking insulin? 

1 Yes 

2 No 

9 (Don’t Know) 

DIBPILL 

Are you now taking diabetic pills to lower your blood sugar? These are sometimes called oral agents 

or oral hypoglycemic agents. 

1 Yes 

2 No 

9 (Don’t Know) 

____________________NEW SCREEN________________________ 

CBRCHYR 

Have you ever been told by a doctor or other health professional that you had chronic bronchitis? 

1 Yes 

2 No 

9 (Don’t Know) 

________________________NEW SCREEN________________________ 

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Series 1, Number 64 25 NATIONAL CENTER FOR HEALTH STATISTICS 
 

 

SMKEV 

These next questions are about cigarette smoking. Have you smoked at least 100 cigarettes in your 

entire life? 

1 Yes 

2 No 

9 (Don’t Know) 

Skip: (If code 1 SMKEV continue, otherwise skip to SMKAY) 

________________________NEW SCREEN________________________ 

SMKNOW 

How often do you now smoke cigarettes? Every day, some days or not at all? 

1 Every Day 

2 Some Days 

3 Not At All 

9 (Don’t Know) 

Skip: (If code 3 continue, if code 1 or 2 skip to CIGQTRY, if code 9 or blank skip to VIGNO) 

________________________NEW SCREEN________________________ 

SMKQTNO 

How long has it been since you quit smoking cigarettes? 

[OPEN ENDED] 

________________________NEW SCREEN________________________ 

CIGQTYR 

During the past 12 months, have you stopped smoking for more than one day because you were 

trying to quit smoking? 

1 Yes 

2 No 

9 (Don’t Know) 

Skip: (All in CIGQTRY skip to VIGNO) 

________________________NEW SCREEN________________________ 

Programmer: (Only ask SMKANY of those who were code 2, 9, or blank in SMKEV) 

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NATIONAL CENTER FOR HEALTH STATISTICS 26 Series 1, Number 64 
 

 

SMKANY 

Have you ever smoked a cigarette even one time? 

1 Yes 

2 No 

9 (Don’t Know) 

________________________NEW SCREEN________________________ 

The next questions are about physical activities (exercise, sports, physically active hobbies...) 

that you may do in your leisure time. 

VIGNO 

How often do you do vigorous leisure-time physical activities for at least 10 minutes that cause 

heavy sweating or large increases in breathing or heart rate? 

[OPEN ENDED] 

MODNO 

How often do you do light or moderate leisure time physical activities for at least 10 minutes that 

cause only light sweating or a slight to moderate increase in breathing or heart rate? 

[OPEN ENDED] 

STRNGNO 

How often do you do leisure time physical activities specifically designed to strengthen your muscles 

such as lifting weights or doing calisthenics? 

[OPEN ENDED] 

________________________NEW SCREEN________________________ 

These next questions are about drinking alcoholic beverages. Included are liquor such as whiskey or 

gin, beer, wine, wine coolers, and any other type of alcoholic beverage. 

ALC1YR 

In any one year, have you had at least 12 drinks of any type of alcoholic beverage? 

1 Yes 

2 No 

9 (Don’t Know) 

Skip: (If code 1 in ALC1YR skip to ALC12MNO, otherwise continue) 

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Series 1, Number 64 27 NATIONAL CENTER FOR HEALTH STATISTICS 
 

________________________NEW SCREEN________________________ 

ALCLIFE 

In your entire life, have you had at least 12 drinks of any type of alcoholic beverage? 

1 Yes 

2 No 

9 (Don’t Know) 

Skip: (If code 1 continue, otherwise skip to AHGT_FT) 

________________________NEW SCREEN________________________ 

ALC12MNO 

In the past year, how often did you drink any type of alcoholic beverage? 

[OPEN ENDED] 

ALCAMT 

On those days that you drank alcoholic beverages in the past year, , how many drinks did you have 

on the average? 

[OPEN ENDED] 

________________________NEW SCREEN________________________ 

ALC5UPNO 

In the past year, on how many days did you have [(Programmer: If code 2 in DEMO_GENDER):4/ 

(Programmer: If code 1 in DEMO_GENDER):5] or more drinks of any alcoholic beverage? 

[OPEN ENDED] 

BINGE 

Considering all types of alcoholic beverages, during the past 30 days, how many times did you have 

[(Programmer: If code 2 in DEMO_GENDER):4/ (Programmer: If code 1 in DEMO_GENDER):5] 

or more drinks on an occasion? 

[OPEN ENDED] 

________________________NEW SCREEN________________________ 

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NATIONAL CENTER FOR HEALTH STATISTICS 28 Series 1, Number 64 
 

 

AHGT_FT 

How tall are you without shoes? 

[OPEN ENDED] 

AWGT_LB 

How much do you weigh without shoes? 

[OPEN ENDED] 

________________________NEW SCREEN________________________ 

There are many reasons people delay getting medical care. Have you delayed getting care for any 

of the following reasons in the past 12 months? 

AHCDLY_1 

You couldn't get through on the telephone. 

1 Yes 

2 No 

9 (Don’t Know) 

AHCDLY_2 

You couldn't get an appointment soon enough. 

1 Yes 

2 No 

9 (Don’t Know) 

AHCDLY_3 

Once you get there, you have to wait too long to see the doctor. 

1 Yes 

2 No 

9 (Don’t Know) 

AHCDLY_4 

The clinic or doctor’s office wasn't open when you could get there. 

1 Yes 

2 No 

9 (Don’t Know) 

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Series 1, Number 64 29 NATIONAL CENTER FOR HEALTH STATISTICS 
AHCDLY_5 

You didn't have transportation. 

1 Yes 

2 No 

9 (Don’t Know) 

________________________NEW SCREEN________________________ 

During the past 12 months, was there any time when you needed any of the following, but didn't get it 

because you couldn't afford it? 

AHCAFY_1 

Prescription medicines. 

1 Yes 

2 No 

9 (Don’t Know) 

AHCAFY_2 

Mental health care or counseling. 

1 Yes 

2 No 

9 (Don’t Know) 

AHCAFY_3 

Dental care (including checkups). 

1 Yes 

2 No 

9 (Don’t Know) 

AHCAFY_4 

Eyeglasses. 

1 Yes 

2 No 

9 (Don’t Know) 

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NATIONAL CENTER FOR HEALTH STATISTICS 30 Series 1, Number 64 
 

 

AHCAFY_5 

To see a specialist. 

1 Yes 

2 No 

9 (Don’t Know) 

AHCAFY_6 

Follow-up care. 

1 Yes 

2 No 

9 (Don’t Know) 

________________________NEW SCREEN________________________ 

During the past 12 months, have you ever used computers for any of the following? 

HIT1A 

Look up health information on the Internet. 

1 Yes 

2 No 

9 (Don’t Know) 

HIT3A 

Schedule an appointment with a health care provider. 

1 Yes 

2 No 

9 (Don’t Know) 

________________________NEW SCREEN________________________ 

During the past 30 days, how often did you feel... 

ACISAD 

So sad that nothing could cheer you up? 

1 All of the time 

2 Most of the time 

3 Some of the time 

4 A little of the time 

5 None of the time 

9 (Don’t Know) 

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Series 1, Number 64 31 NATIONAL CENTER FOR HEALTH STATISTICS 
ACINERV 

Nervous? 

1 All of the time 

2 Most of the time 

3 Some of the time 

4 A little of the time 

5 None of the time 

9 (Don’t Know) 

ACIRSTLS 

Restless or fidgety? 

1 All of the time 

2 Most of the time 

3 Some of the time 

4 A little of the time 

5 None of the time 

9 (Don’t Know) 

ACIHOPLS 

Hopeless? 

1 All of the time 

2 Most of the time 

3 Some of the time 

4 A little of the time 

5 None of the time 

9 (Don’t Know) 

ACIEFFRT 

That everything was an effort? 

1 All of the time 

2 Most of the time 

3 Some of the time 

4 A little of the time 

5 None of the time 

9 (Don’t Know) 

ACIWTHLS 

Worthless? 

1 All of the time 

2 Most of the time 

3 Some of the time 

4 A little of the time 

5 None of the time 

9 (Don’t Know) 

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NATIONAL CENTER FOR HEALTH STATISTICS 32 Series 1, Number 64 
________________________NEW SCREEN________________________ 

AWEBOFNO 

How often do you use the Internet? 

[OPEN ENDED] 

________________________NEW SCREEN________________________ 

ANX_1 

How often do you feel worried, nervous or anxious? 

1 Daily 

2 Weekly 

3 Monthly 

4 A Few Times a Year 

5 Never 

9 (Don’t Know) 

ANX_2 

Do you take medication for these feelings? 

1 Yes 

2 No 

9 (Don’t Know) 

Skip: (If code 5 in ANX_1 AND code 2 in ANX_2 skip to submit screen, otherwise continue) 

________________________NEW SCREEN________________________ 

ANX_3 

Thinking about the last time you felt worried, nervous or anxious, how would you describe the level 

of these feelings? ]? 

1 A Little 

2 A Lot 

3 Somewhere in Between a Little and a Lot 

4 

9 (Don’t Know) 

[END] 

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Series 1, Number 64 33 NATIONAL CENTER FOR HEALTH STATISTICS 
Appendix III. RANDS 2 

Questionnaire 

RANDS2 Questionnaire 

PHSTAT 

Would you say your health in general is excellent, very good, good, fair, or poor? 

1 Excellent 

2 Very good 

3 Good 

4 Fair 

5 Poor 

9 (Don’t Know) 

PROBE1 

Why did you answer that way? 

Because of: 

___ My diet and nutrition 

___ My exercise habits 

___ My unhealthy behaviors such as smoking or drinking habits 

___ My health problems or conditions 

___ The amount of times I seek health care 

___ The amount of pain or fatigue that I have 

___ My conversations with my doctor 

These next questions are about whether you were always able to afford the food you needed 

in the last 30 days. 

First, you are going to see several statements that people have made about their food 

situation. For these statements, please indicate whether the statement was often true, 

sometimes true, or never true for you in the last 30 days. 

FSRUNOUT 

I worried whether my food would run out before I got money to buy more 

1 Often true 

2 Sometimes true 

3 Never true 

9 (Don’t Know) 

FSLAST 

The food that I bought just didn't last, and I didn't have money to get more. 

1 Often true 

2 Sometimes true 

3 Never true 

9 (Don’t Know) 

FSBALANC 

Panel 2016 CDC/NCHS Health Research Survey_Web 

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NATIONAL CENTER FOR HEALTH STATISTICS 34 Series 1, Number 64 
 

 

I couldn't afford to eat balanced meals. 

1 Often true 

2 Sometimes true 

3 Never true 

9 (Don’t Know) 

PROBE2 

When answering the last question, how did you define “balanced meal”? 

___ A meal with all the major food groups 

___ A meal that includes a starch, a vegetable, and a protein 

___ A meal without a lot of fat, salt or sugar 

___ A homemade or home-cooked meal 

___ A meal that does not include processed ingredients 

FSSKIP 

In the last 30 days, did you ever cut the size of your meals or skip meals because there wasn't 

enough money for food? 

1 Yes 

2 No 

9 (Don’t Know) 

FSLESS 

In the last 30 days, did you ever eat less than you felt you should because there wasn't enough 

money for food? 

1 Yes 

2 No 

9 (Don’t Know) 

FSHUNGRY 

In the last 30 days, were you ever hungry but didn't eat because there wasn't enough money for 

food? 

1 Yes 

2 No 

9 (Don’t Know) 

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Series 1, Number 64 35 NATIONAL CENTER FOR HEALTH STATISTICS 
 

 

 

FSWEIGHT 

In the last 30 days, did you lose weight because there wasn't enough money for food? 

1 Yes 

2 No 

9 (Don’t Know) 

PROBE3 

Do you do any of the following things? 

___ Give your share of food to a family member so they get more to eat 

___ Skip meals in order to make your food last 

___ Keep to a strict budget when buying food 

___ Plan out your meals to avoid running out of food 

___ Add fillers like pasta or bread to stretch food 

___ Save money by not splurging on unnecessary foods 

___ Only buy store-brand or generic foods to save money 

FHCDV2W 

During the last 2 weeks, did you see a doctor or other health care professional at a doctor's office, a 

clinic, an emergency room, or some other place? 

1 Yes 

2 No 

9 (Don’t Know) 

(If Yes continue, otherwise skip to F10DVRY) 

PHCDVN2W 

How many times did you visit a doctor or other health care professional during the last 2 weeks? 

Please enter a number between 0 and 14. 

F10DVYR 

During the past 12 months, did you receive care from doctors or other health care professionals 10 

or more times? Do not include telephone calls. 

1 Yes 

2 No 

9 (Don’t Know) 

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NATIONAL CENTER FOR HEALTH STATISTICS 36 Series 1, Number 64 
FHICOV 

The next few questions are about health insurance, including health insurance obtained 

through employment, purchased directly, as well as government programs like Medicare and 

Medicaid that provide Medical care or help pay medical bills. 

Are you covered by any kind of health insurance or some other kind of health care plan? 

1 Yes 

2 No 

9 (Don’t Know) 

Skip: (If code 2 in FHICOV skip to WRKCOR, otherwise continue) 

HIKIND 

Do you have any of the following kinds of health insurance or health care coverage? Include those 

plans that pay for only one type of service, such as nursing home care, accidents, or dental care. 

Exclude private plans that only provide extra cash while hospitalized. 

HIKIND_1 Private Health Insurance 

HIKIND_2 Medicare 

HIKIND_3 Medi-Gap 

HIKIND_4 Medicaid 

HIKIND_5 SCHIP (CHIP/Children's Health Insurance Program) 

HIKIND_6 Military health care (TRICARE/VA/CHAMP-VA) 

HIKIND_7 Indian Health Service 

HIKIND_8 State-sponsored health plan 

HIKIND_9 Other government program 

HIKIND_10 Single service plan (e.g., dental, vision, prescriptions) 

PROBE4 

Which of the following best describes how you got your health insurance? 

___ It’s given to all people older than 65 

___ It’s obtained through an employer 

___ It’s through one of my parent’s or guardian’s employers 

___ It’s provided by the government to people who have difficulty affording health 

insurance 

___ It’s obtained through healthcare.gov or one of the state health insurance marketplaces 

___ It’s obtained through a government job 

Skip: (If code 1 in HIKIND_1, continue, otherwise skip to WRKCOR) 

Panel 2016 CDC/NCHS Health Research Survey_Web 

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Series 1, Number 64 37 NATIONAL CENTER FOR HEALTH STATISTICS 
 

 

PLNMGD 

What type of private plan do you have? 

1 HMO (Health Maintenance Organization) 

2 IPA (Individual Practice Plan) 

3 PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) 

4 POS (Point of Service) 

5 Fee-for-Service 

6 Indemnity 

7 Some Other Kind of Plan 

9 (Don’t Know) 

MGCHMD 

Under your private plan, can you choose any doctor or must you choose one from a specific group 

or list of doctors? 

1 Choose Any Doctor 

2 Choose from a Group or List 

9 (Don’t Know) 

PCPREQ 

Does this plan require you to have a primary care doctor who approves all your care? 

1 Yes 

2 No 

9 (Don’t Know) 

PROBE5 

How much do you know about the features of your health insurance plan? 

___ None 

___ A Little 

___ Somewhere in between a little and a lot 

___ A lot 

PROBE6 

How confident are you about your answers to the health insurance questions? 

___ Not at all confident 

___ A Little 

___ Somewhere in between a little and very 

___ Very confident 

The next questions are about the work you do. 

WRKCOR 

Panel 2016 CDC/NCHS Health Research Survey_Web 

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NATIONAL CENTER FOR HEALTH STATISTICS 38 Series 1, Number 64 
 

 

 

 

 

Which of the following were you doing last week? 

1 Working for pay at a job or business 

2 With a job or business but not at work 

3 Looking for work 

4 Working, but not for pay, at a family-owned job or business 

5 Not working at a job or business and not looking for work 

9 (Don’t Know) 

Skip: (If code 2,3,4, or 5 continue, otherwise skip to HYPEV) 

WHYNOWK2 

What is the main reason you did not work last week? 

1 Taking care of house or family 

2 Going to school 

3 Retired 

4 On a planned vacation from work 

5 On family or maternity leave 

6 Temporarily unable to work for health reasons 

7 Have job or contract and off-season 

8 On layoff 

9 Disabled 

10 Other 

99 (Don’t Know) 

The next series of questions will ask you about certain medical conditions. 

HYPEV 

Have you ever been told by a doctor or other health professional that you had hypertension, also 

called high blood pressure? 

1 Yes 

2 No 

9 (Don’t Know) 

Skip: (If code 1 in HYPEV continue, otherwise skip to NEWLUNG) 

HYPMDEV2 

Has a doctor ever prescribed any medicine for your high blood pressure? 

1 Yes 

Panel 2016 CDC/NCHS Health Research Survey_Web 

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Series 1, Number 64 39 NATIONAL CENTER FOR HEALTH STATISTICS 
2 No 

9 (Don’t Know) 

HYPMED2 

Are you now taking any medicine prescribed by a doctor for your high blood pressure? 

1 Yes 

2 No 

9 (Don’t Know) 

NEWLUNG 

Have you ever been told by a doctor or other medical professional that you have Chronic Obstructive 

Pulmonary Disease or COPD, emphysema, or chronic bronchitis? 

1 Yes 

2 No 

9 (Don’t Know) 

Skip: (If Yes continue, otherwise skip to AASMEV) 

PROBE7 

Thinking about the condition that your doctor or other medical professional told you that you had, 

how long did the symptoms last: 

___ Less than one week 

___ Less than one month 

___ Between one month and three months 

___ More than three months 

PROBE8 

Which condition were you told you had? 

___ COPD 

___ Emphysema 

___ Chronic Bronchitis 

___ Bronchitis 

___ Other ______ 

Panel 2016 CDC/NCHS Health Research Survey_Web 

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NATIONAL CENTER FOR HEALTH STATISTICS 40 Series 1, Number 64 
 

 

 

AASMEV 

Have you ever been told by a doctor or other health professional that you had asthma? 

1 Yes 

2 No 

9 (Don’t Know) 

Skip: (If code 1 AASMEV continue, otherwise skip to DIBEV) 

AASSTILL 

Do you still have asthma? 

1 Yes 

2 No 

9 (Don’t Know) 

AASMYR 

During the past 12 months have you had an episode of asthma, or an asthma attack? 

1 Yes 

2 No 

9 (Don’t Know) 

AASMERYR 

During the past 12 months have you had to visit an emergency room or urgent care center because 

of asthma? 

1 Yes 

2 No 

9 (Don’t Know) 

DIBEV 

Other than during pregnancy, have you ever been told by a doctor or other health professional that 

you have diabetes or sugar diabetes? 

1 Yes 

2 No 

3 Borderline 

9 (Don’t Know) 

Skip: (If code 1 in DIBEV skip to DIBAGE, if code 3 skip to INSLN, otherwise continue) 

Panel 2016 CDC/NCHS Health Research Survey_Web 

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Series 1, Number 64 41 NATIONAL CENTER FOR HEALTH STATISTICS 
______________________________ 

 

 

 

DIBPRE1 

Have you ever been told by a doctor or other health professional that you have any of the following: 

prediabetes, impaired fasting glucose, impaired glucose tolerance, borderline diabetes, or high blood 

sugar? 

1 Yes 

2 No 

9 (Don’t Know) 

Skip: (All in DIBPRE1: If code 1 in DIBPRE1 skip to INSLN, otherwise skip to SMKEV) 

DIBAGE 

How old were you when a doctor or other health professional first told you that you had diabetes or 

sugar diabetes? 

[OPEN ENDED] 

PROBE9 

Where you told that you have Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes? 

___ Type 1 

___ Type 2 

___ Another Type 

___ Don’t Know 

Skip: (If code 1 in DIBEV or code 1 in DIBRE1, continue, otherwise skip to SMKEV) 

________________________NEW SCREEN________________________ 

INSLN 

Are you now taking insulin? 

1 Yes 

2 No 

9 (Don’t Know) 

DIBPILL 

Panel 2016 CDC/NCHS Health Research Survey_Web 

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NATIONAL CENTER FOR HEALTH STATISTICS 42 Series 1, Number 64 
 

 

Are you now taking diabetic pills to lower your blood sugar? These are sometimes called oral agents 

or oral hypoglycemic agents. 

1 Yes 

2 No 

9 (Don’t Know) 

These next questions are about cigarette smoking. 

SMKEV 

These next questions are about cigarette smoking. Have you smoked at least 100 cigarettes in your 

entire life? 

1 Yes 

2 No 

9 (Don’t Know) 

Skip: (If code 1 SMKEV continue, otherwise skip to SMKAY) 

SMKNOW 

How often do you now smoke cigarettes? Every day, some days or not at all? 

1 Every Day 

2 Some Days 

3 Not At All 

9 (Don’t Know) 

Skip: (If code 3 continue, if code 1 or 2 skip to CIGQTRY, if code 9 or blank skip to VIGNO) 

SMKQTNO 

How long has it been since you quit smoking cigarettes? 

[OPEN ENDED] 

CIGQTYR 

During the past 12 months, have you stopped smoking for more than one day because you were 

trying to quit smoking? 

1 Yes 

2 No 

9 (Don’t Know) 

Skip: (All in CIGQTRY skip to VIGNO) 

Panel 2016 CDC/NCHS Health Research Survey_Web 

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Series 1, Number 64 43 NATIONAL CENTER FOR HEALTH STATISTICS 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Programmer: (Only ask SMKANY of those who were code 2, 9, or blank in SMKEV) 

SMKANY 

Have you ever smoked a cigarette even one time? 

1 Yes 

2 No 

9 (Don’t Know) 

PROBE10 

In the previous question, what kind of cigarettes were you thinking of? 

___ Tobacco cigarettes 

___ Cigars 

___ Marijuana cigarettes 

___ E-cigarettes 

The next questions are about physical activities (exercise, sports, physically active 

hobbies...) that you may do in your leisure time. 

NEWPHYSACT 

In the past week, on how many days have you done a total of 30 minutes or more of physical activity, 

which was enough to raise your breathing rate? This may include sports, exercise, and brisk walking 

or cycling for recreation or to get to and from places, but should not include housework or physical 

activity that may be part of your job. 

_____________________________ Days 

PROBE11 

Which of the following types of physical activity, if any, were you thinking about? 

___ Running 

___ Jogging 

___ Walking or hiking for exercise 

___ Walking to or from an activity 

___ Walking at work 

___ Housework or yardwork 

___ Working with exercise equipment 

___ Playing sports 

___ Cycling 

___ Swimming 

___ Yoga______ 

Panel 2016 CDC/NCHS Health Research Survey_Web 

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NATIONAL CENTER FOR HEALTH STATISTICS 44 Series 1, Number 64 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

VIGNO 

How often do you do vigorous leisure-time physical activities for at least 10 minutes that cause 

heavy sweating or large increases in breathing or heart rate? 

[OPEN ENDED] 

VIGLNGNO 

About how long do you do these vigorous leisure-time physical activities? 

[OPEN ENDED]_____________________________Minutes 

PROBE12 

Which of the following types of physical activity, if any, were you thinking about? 

___ Running 

___ Jogging 

___ Walking or hiking for exercise 

___ Walking to or from an activity 

___ Walking at work 

___ Housework or yardwork 

___ Working with exercise equipment 

___ Playing sports 

___ Cycling 

___ Swimming 

___ Yoga______ 

MODNO 

How often do you do light or moderate leisure time physical activities for at least 10 minutes that 

cause only light sweating or a slight to moderate increase in breathing or heart rate? 

[OPEN ENDED] 

MODLNGNO 

About how long do you do these light or moderate leisure-time physical activities? 

[OPEN ENDED]_____________________________Minutes 

PROBE13 

Which of the following types of physical activity, if any, were you thinking about? 

___ Running 

___ Jogging 

___ Walking or hiking for exercise 

___ Walking to or from an activity 

___ Walking at work 

___ Housework or yardwork 

___ Working with exercise equipment 

___ Playing sports 

___ Cycling 

___ Swimming 

___ Yoga______ 

STRNGNO 

Panel 2016 CDC/NCHS Health Research Survey_Web 

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Series 1, Number 64 45 NATIONAL CENTER FOR HEALTH STATISTICS 
 

 

How often do you do leisure time physical activities specifically designed to strengthen your muscles 

such as lifting weights or doing calisthenics? 

[OPEN ENDED] 

These next questions are about drinking alcoholic beverages. Included are liquor such as 

whiskey or gin, beer, wine, wine coolers, and any other type of alcoholic beverage. 

ALC1YR 

In any one year, have you had at least 12 drinks of any type of alcoholic beverage? 

1 Yes 

2 No 

9 (Don’t Know) 

Skip: (If code 1 in ALC1YR skip to ALC12MNO, otherwise continue) 

ALCLIFE 

In your entire life, have you had at least 12 drinks of any type of alcoholic beverage? 

1 Yes 

2 No 

9 (Don’t Know) 

Skip: (If code 1 continue, otherwise skip to AHGT_FT) 

ALC12MNO 

In the past year, how often did you drink any type of alcoholic beverage? 

[OPEN ENDED] 

ALCAMT 

On those days that you drank alcoholic beverages in the past year, how many drinks did you have 

on the average? 

[OPEN ENDED] 

Panel 2016 CDC/NCHS Health Research Survey_Web 

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NATIONAL CENTER FOR HEALTH STATISTICS 46 Series 1, Number 64 
 

 

 

 

PROBE14 

When answering the previous question, which of the following, if any, did you count: 

___ The number of cans or bottles of beer or malt liquor, glasses of wine, or shots of 

liquor. 

___ The number of bottles of wine or bottles of liquor. 

___ The number of drinks you purchased from a restaurant or bar. 

___ The number of drinks you made or poured for yourself. 

ALC5UPNO 

In the past year, on how many days did you have [(Programmer: If code 2 in DEMO_GENDER):4/ 

(Programmer: If code 1 in DEMO_GENDER):5] or more drinks of any alcoholic beverage? 

[OPEN ENDED] 

BINGE 

Considering all types of alcoholic beverages, during the past 30 days, how many times did you have 

[(Programmer: If code 2 in DEMO_GENDER):4/ (Programmer: If code 1 in DEMO_GENDER):5] 

or more drinks on an occasion? 

[OPEN ENDED] 

PROBE15 

Thinking about your answer to the previous question, how long did the occasions you drank [5 or 4] 

more drinks at once last on average? 

___ A couple of hours or less 

___ Between 2 and 12 hours 

___ Between 12 and 24 hours 

___ More than a day 

AHGT_FT 

How tall are you without shoes? 

[OPEN ENDED] 

AWGT_LB 

How much do you weigh without shoes? 

[OPEN ENDED] 

There are many reasons people delay getting medical care. Have you delayed getting care

for any of the following reasons in the past 12 months? 

Panel 2016 CDC/NCHS Health Research Survey_Web 

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Series 1, Number 64 47 NATIONAL CENTER FOR HEALTH STATISTICS 
 

 

AHCDLY_1 

You couldn't get through on the telephone. 

1 Yes 

2 No 

9 (Don’t Know) 

AHCDLY_2 

You couldn't get an appointment soon enough. 

1 Yes 

2 No 

9 (Don’t Know) 

AHCDLY_3 

Once you get there, you have to wait too long to see the doctor. 

1 Yes 

2 No 

9 (Don’t Know) 

AHCDLY_4 

The clinic or doctor’s office wasn't open when you could get there. 

1 Yes 

2 No 

9 (Don’t Know) 

AHCDLY_5 

You didn't have transportation. 

1 Yes 

2 No 

9 (Don’t Know) 

Panel 2016 CDC/NCHS Health Research Survey_Web 

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NATIONAL CENTER FOR HEALTH STATISTICS 48 Series 1, Number 64 
During the past 12 months, was there any time when you needed any of the following, but

didn't get it because you couldn't afford it? 

AHCAFY_1 

Prescription medicines. 

1 Yes 

2 No 

9 (Don’t Know) 

AHCAFY_2 

Mental health care or counseling. 

1 Yes 

2 No 

9 (Don’t Know) 

AHCAFY_3 

Dental care (including checkups). 

1 Yes 

2 No 

9 (Don’t Know) 

AHCAFY_4 

Eyeglasses. 

1 Yes 

2 No 

9 (Don’t Know) 

Panel 2016 CDC/NCHS Health Research Survey_Web 

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Series 1, Number 64 49 NATIONAL CENTER FOR HEALTH STATISTICS 
 

AHCAFY_5 

To see a specialist. 

1 Yes 

2 No 

9 (Don’t Know) 

AHCAFY_6 

Follow-up care. 

1 Yes 

2 No 

9 (Don’t Know) 

During the past 12 months, have you ever used computers for any of the following? 

HIT1A 

Look up health information on the Internet. 

1 Yes 

2 No 

9 Don’t Know 

HIT3A 

Schedule an appointment with a health care provider. 

1 Yes 

2 No 

9 Don’t Know 

During the past 30 days, how often did you feel... 

ACISAD 

So sad that nothing could cheer you up? 

1 All of the time 

2 Most of the time 

3 Some of the time 

4 A little of the time 

5 None of the time 

9 (Don’t Know) 

ACINERV 

Panel 2016 CDC/NCHS Health Research Survey_Web 

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NATIONAL CENTER FOR HEALTH STATISTICS 50 Series 1, Number 64 
 

 

 

 

Nervous? 

1 All of the time 

2 Most of the time 

3 Some of the time 

4 A little of the time 

5 None of the time 

9 (Don’t Know) 

PROBE16 

Which of the following statements, if any, describe your feelings of nervousness: 

___ Sometimes the feelings can be so intense that my chest hurts and I have trouble 

breathing. 

___ These are positive feelings that help me to accomplish goals and be productive. 

___ The feelings sometimes interfere with my life, and I wish that I did not have them. 

___ I have been told by a medical professional that I have anxiety. 

ACIRSTLS 

Restless or fidgety? 

1 All of the time 

2 Most of the time 

3 Some of the time 

4 A little of the time 

5 None of the time 

9 (Don’t Know) 

PROBE17 

Would you consider restlessness and fidgetiness a good thing or a bad thing? 

___ Good Thing 

___ Bad Thing 

___ Neither good nor bad 

PROBE18 

How concerned are you about these feelings? 

___ A lot 

___ Somewhere in between a lot and a little 

___ A little 

___ Not at all 

ACIHOPLS 

Hopeless? 

Panel 2016 CDC/NCHS Health Research Survey_Web 

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Series 1, Number 64 51 NATIONAL CENTER FOR HEALTH STATISTICS 
 

1 All of the time 

2 Most of the time 

3 Some of the time 

4 A little of the time 

5 None of the time 

9 (Don’t Know) 

ACIEFFRT 

That everything was an effort? 

1 All of the time 

2 Most of the time 

3 Some of the time 

4 A little of the time 

5 None of the time 

9 (Don’t Know) 

PROBE19 

Would you consider everything being an effort a good thing or a bad thing? 

___ Good Thing 

___ Bad Thing 

___ Neither good nor bad 

PROBE20 

How concerned are you about these feelings? 

___ A lot 

___ Somewhere in between a lot and a little 

___ A little 

___ Not at all 

ACIWTHLS 

Worthless? 

1 All of the time 

2 Most of the time 

3 Some of the time 

4 A little of the time 

5 None of the time 

9 (Don’t Know) 

AWEBOFNO 

How often do you use the Internet? 

Panel 2016 CDC/NCHS Health Research Survey_Web 

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NATIONAL CENTER FOR HEALTH STATISTICS 52 Series 1, Number 64 
 

[OPEN ENDED] 

ANX_1 

How often do you feel worried, nervous or anxious? 

1 Daily 

2 Weekly 

3 Monthly 

4 A Few Times a Year 

5 Never 

9 (Don’t Know) 

ANX_2 

Do you take medication for these feelings? 

1 Yes 

2 No 

9 (Don’t Know) 

Skip: (If code 5 in ANX_1 AND code 2 in ANX_2 skip to submit screen, otherwise continue) 

________________________NEW SCREEN________________________ 

ANX_3 

Thinking about the last time you felt worried, nervous or anxious, how would you describe the level 

of these feelings? 

1 A Little 

2 A Lot 

3 Somewhere in Between a Little and a Lot 

4 

9 (Don’t Know) 

PROBE21 

Which of the following statements, if any, describes your feelings: 

___ Sometimes the feelings can be so intense that my chest hurts and I have trouble 

breathing. 

___ These are positive feelings that help me to accomplish goals and be productive. 

___ The feelings sometimes interfere with my life, and I wish that I did not have them. 

___ I have been told by a medical professional that I have anxiety. 

Panel 2016 CDC/NCHS Health Research Survey_Web 

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Series 1, Number 64 53 NATIONAL CENTER FOR HEALTH STATISTICS 
Vital and Health Statistics 

Series Descriptions 

Active Series

Series 1. Programs and Collection Procedures

Reports describe the programs and data systems of the 

National Center for Health Statistics, and the data collection 

and survey methods used. Series 1 reports also include 

definitions, survey design, estimation, and other material 

necessary for understanding and analyzing the data.

Series 2. Data Evaluation and Methods Research

Reports present new statistical methodology including 

experimental tests of new survey methods, studies of vital and 

health statistics collection methods, new analytical techniques, 

objective evaluations of reliability of collected data, and 

contributions to statistical theory. Reports also include 

comparison of U.S. methodology with those of other countries.

Series 3. Analytical and Epidemiological Studies

Reports present data analyses, epidemiological studies, and 

descriptive statistics based on national surveys and data 

systems. As of 2015, Series 3 includes reports that would 

have previously been published in Series 5, 10–15, and 20–23.

Discontinued Series

Series 4. Documents and Committee Reports

Reports contain findings of major committees concerned with 

vital and health statistics and documents. The last Series 4 

report was published in 2002; these are now included in 

Series 2 or another appropriate series.

Series 5. International Vital and Health Statistics Reports

Reports present analytical and descriptive comparisons of 

U.S. vital and health statistics with those of other countries. 

The last Series 5 report was published in 2003; these are now 

included in Series 3 or another appropriate series.

Series 6. Cognition and Survey Measurement

Reports use methods of cognitive science to design, evaluate, 

and test survey instruments. The last Series 6 report was 

published in 1999; these are now included in Series 2.

Series 10. Data From the National Health Interview Survey

Reports present statistics on illness; accidental injuries; 

disability; use of hospital, medical, dental, and other services; 

and other health-related topics. As of 2015, these are included 

in Series 3.

Series 11. Data From the National Health Examination Survey, the 

National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys, and 

the Hispanic Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

Reports present 1) estimates of the medically defined 

prevalence of specific diseases in the United States and the 

distribution of the population with respect to physical, 

physiological, and psychological characteristics and 2) 

analysis of relationships among the various measurements. 

As of 2015, these are included in Series 3.

Series 12. Data From the Institutionalized Population Surveys

The last Series 12 report was published in 1974; these reports 

were included in Series 13, and as of 2015 are in Series 3.

Series 13. Data From the National Health Care Survey

Reports present statistics on health resources and use of 

health care resources based on data collected from health 

care providers and provider records. As of 2015, these reports 

are included in Series 3.

Series 14. Data on Health Resources: Manpower and Facilities

The last Series 14 report was published in 1989; these reports 

were included in Series 13, and are now included in Series 3.

Series 15. Data From Special Surveys

Reports contain statistics on health and health-related topics 

from surveys that are not a part of the continuing data systems 

of the National Center for Health Statistics. The last Series 15 

report was published in 2002; these reports are now included 

in Series 3.

Series 16. Compilations of Advance Data From Vital and Health 

Statistics

The last Series 16 report was published in 1996. All reports 

are available online; compilations are no longer needed.

Series 20. Data on Mortality

Reports include analyses by cause of death and demographic 

variables, and geographic and trend analyses. The last Series 

20 report was published in 2007; these reports are now 

included in Series 3.

Series 21. Data on Natality, Marriage, and Divorce

Reports include analyses by health and demographic 

variables, and geographic and trend analyses. The last Series 

21 report was published in 2006; these reports are now 

included in Series 3.

Series 22. Data From the National Mortality and Natality Surveys

The last Series 22 report was published in 1973. Reports from 

sample surveys of vital records were included in Series 20 or 

21, and are now included in Series 3.

Series 23. Data From the National Survey of Family Growth

Reports contain statistics on factors that affect birth rates, 

factors affecting the formation and dissolution of families, and 

behavior related to the risk of HIV and other sexually 

transmitted diseases. The last Series 23 report was published 

in 2011; these reports are now included in Series 3.

Series 24. Compilations of Data on Natality, Mortality, Marriage, and 

Divorce

The last Series 24 report was published in 1996. All reports 

are available online; compilations are no longer needed.

For answers to questions about this report or for a list of reports published 

in these series, contact:

Information Dissemination Staff

National Center for Health Statistics

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

3311 Toledo Road, Room 4551, MS P08

Hyattsville, MD 20782

Tel: 1–800–CDC–INFO (1–800–232–4636)

TTY: 1–888–232–6348

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Online request form: https://www.cdc.gov/info

For e-mail updates on NCHS publication releases, subscribe 

online at: https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/email-updates.htm.
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF

HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 

National Center for Health Statistics 

3311 Toledo Road, Room 4551, MS P08 

Hyattsville, MD 20782–2064

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Series 1, No. 64 

CS319894