Series 3, Number 40 July 2017

Health Conditions and 

Behaviors of Native 

Hawaiian and Pacific

Islander Persons in the

United States, 2014

 

 
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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

Galinsky AM, Zelaya CE, Simile C, Barnes PM. Health conditions and behaviors of Native 

Hawaiian and Pacific Islander persons in the United States, 2014. National Center for 

Health Statistics. Vital Health Stat 3(40). 2017.

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Names: National Center for Health Statistics (U.S.), issuing body.

Title: Health conditions and behaviors of native Hawaiian and Pacific 

 Islander persons in the United States, 2014 : data from the Native 

 Hawaiian and Pacific Islander National Health Interview Survey.

Other titles: DHHS publication ; no. 2017-1424. 0276-4733 | Vital & health 

 statistics. Series 3, Analytical and epidemiological studies ; no. 40.

Description: Hyattsville, Maryland : U.S. Department of Health and Human 

 Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for 

 Health Statistics, July 2017. | Series: DHHS publication ; no. 2017-1424 | 

 Series: Vital and health statistics. Series 3 ; number 40 | Includes 

 bibliographical references.

Identifiers: LCCN 2017023362| ISBN 9780840606785 | ISBN 0840606788

Subjects: | MESH: Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander National Health 

 Interview Survey (U.S.) | Oceanic Ancestry Group | Health Status | Health 

 Surveys | Vital Statistics | United States | Statistics

Classification: LCC RA407 | NLM W2 A N148vc no.41 2017 | DDC 614.4/2--dc23 LC record 

available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2017023362

For sale by the U.S. Government Printing Office

Superintendent of Documents

Mail Stop: SSOP

Washington, DC 20402–9328

Printed on acid-free paper.
Health Conditions and Behaviors 

of Native Hawaiian and Pacific 

Islander Persons in the 

United States, 2014

Data From the Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander 

National Health Interview Survey

NATIONAL CENTER FOR HEALTH STATISTICS

Vital and Health Statistics

Series 3, Number 40 • Chartbook July 2017

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

National Center for Health Statistics

Hyattsville, Maryland

July 2017

DHHS Publication No. 2017–1424
National Center for Health Statistics

Charles J. Rothwell, M.S., M.B.A., Director

Jennifer H. Madans, Ph.D., Associate Director for Science

Division of Health Interview Statistics 

Marcie L. Cynamon, Director

Stephen J. Blumberg, Ph.D., Associate Director for Science

Division of Research and Methodology

Charles J. Rothwell, M.S., M.B.A., Acting Director

Donald Malec, Ph.D., Associate Director for Science
Series 3, Number 40 v NATIONAL CENTER FOR HEALTH STATISTICS 

Contents

Acknowledgments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . x

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

Key Findings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Background . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

The Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander National Health Interview Survey. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Purpose of Report. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Approach and Methods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Figures and Tables

General Health Status. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Body Mass Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Personal Care Needs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Serious Psychological Distress . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Coronary Heart Disease, Angina, Myocardial Infarction, Hypertension, and Stroke . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Asthma, Hay Fever, and Sinusitis. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Child Asthma. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Cancer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Diabetes, Ulcers, Kidney Disease, Liver Disease, Arthritis, and Chronic Joint Problems. . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Child Allergies and Hay Fever. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

Pain and Migraines or Severe Headaches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

Hearing and Vision Trouble and Absence of Natural Teeth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

Difficulties in Physical Functioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

Child Learning Disability or Attention-deficit/hyperactivity Disorder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

Child Prescription Medication Use for at Least 3 Months . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64

Leisure-time Physical Activity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67

Cigarette Smoking Status . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71

Alcohol Consumption . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74

References. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77

Appendix I. Technical Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79

Appendix II. Definitions of Selected Terms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82

Appendix III. 2014 Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander National Health Interview Survey and 

2014 National Health Interview Survey Questions Used to Define Selected Health Measures . . . . . . . . . 84

Figures

1. Age-sex-adjusted percentage of persons of all ages who had excellent or very good health,

by race: United States, 2014 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

2. Age-sex-adjusted percentage of persons of all ages who had excellent or very good health,

by Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander detailed race: United States, 2014 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

3. Age-adjusted percentage of adults aged 18 and over who have a healthy body weight,

by race: United States, 2014 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

4. Age-adjusted percentage of adults aged 18 and over who have a healthy body weight, by

Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander detailed race: United States, 2014 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
NATIONAL CENTER FOR HEALTH STATISTICS vi Series 3, Number 40

5. Age-sex-adjusted percentage of adults aged 65 and over who need help with personal care 

from other persons, by race: United States, 2014. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

6. Age-sex-adjusted percentage of adults aged 18 and over who experienced serious 

psychological distress during the past 30 days, by race: United States, 2014. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

7. Age-adjusted percentage of adults aged 18 and over with diagnosed hypertension, by race: 

United States, 2014 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

8. Age-adjusted percentage of adults aged 18 and over with diagnosed hypertension, by 

Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander detailed race: United States, 2014 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

9. Age-adjusted percentage of adults aged 18 and over with any diagnosed heart disease, 

by race: United States, 2014 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

10. Age-adjusted percentage of adults aged 18 and over with any diagnosed heart disease, by 

Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander detailed race: United States, 2014 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

11. Age-adjusted percentage of adults aged 18 and over who ever had diagnosed asthma, 

by race: United States, 2014 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

12. Age-adjusted percentage of adults aged 18 and over who ever had diagnosed asthma, by 

Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander detailed race: United States, 2014 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

13. Age-adjusted percentage of adults aged 18 and over who still have diagnosed asthma, 

by race: United States, 2014 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

14. Age-adjusted percentage of adults aged 18 and over who still have diagnosed asthma, by 

Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander detailed race: United States, 2014 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

15. Age-adjusted percentage of children under age 18 years who ever had diagnosed asthma, 

by race: United States, 2014 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

16. Age-adjusted percentage of children under age 18 years who ever had diagnosed asthma, 

by Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander detailed race: United States, 2014 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

17. Age-adjusted percentage of children under age 18 years who still have diagnosed asthma, 

by race: United States, 2014 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

18. Age-adjusted percentage of children under age 18 years who still have diagnosed asthma, 

by Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander detailed race: United States, 2014 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

19. Age-adjusted percentage of adults aged 18 and over with any diagnosed cancer, by race: 

United States, 2014 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

20. Age-adjusted percentage of adults aged 18 and over with any diagnosed cancer, by 

Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander detailed race: United States, 2014 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

21. Age-adjusted percentage of adults aged 18 and over with diagnosed ulcers, by race: 

United States, 2014 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

22. Age-adjusted percentage of adults aged 18 and over with diagnosed ulcers, by Native Hawaiian and 

Pacific Islander detailed race: United States, 2014 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

23. Age-adjusted percentage of adults aged 18 and over with diagnosed diabetes, by race: 

United States, 2014 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

24. Age-adjusted percentage of adults aged 18 and over with diagnosed diabetes, by 

Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander detailed race: United States, 2014 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Contents—Con.
Series 3, Number 40 vii NATIONAL CENTER FOR HEALTH STATISTICS 

25. Age-adjusted percentage of children under age 18 years with skin allergies in the 

past 12 months, by race: United States, 2014 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

26. Age-adjusted percentage of children under age 18 years with skin allergies in the 

past 12 months, by Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander detailed race: United States, 2014. . . . . . . . 44

27. Age-adjusted percentage of adults aged 18 and over with migraines or severe headaches in 

the past 3 months, by race: United States, 2014 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

28. Age-adjusted percentage of adults aged 18 and over with migraines or severe headaches in 

the past 3 months, by Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander detailed race: United States, 2014 . . . . . . 47

29. Age-adjusted percentage of adults aged 18 and over with lower back pain in the 

past 3 months, by race: United States, 2014 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

30. Age-adjusted percentage of adults aged 18 and over with lower back pain in the 

past 3 months, by Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander detailed race: United States, 2014 . . . . . . . . 49

31. Age-adjusted percentage of adults aged 18 and over with hearing trouble, by race: 

United States, 2014 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

32. Age-adjusted percentage of adults aged 18 and over with hearing trouble, by 

Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander detailed race: United States, 2014 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

33. Age-adjusted percentage of adults aged 18 and over with any physical difficulty, by race: 

United States, 2014 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

34. Age-adjusted percentage of adults aged 18 and over with any physical difficulty, by 

Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander detailed race: United States, 2014 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

35. Age-adjusted percentage of ever having been told of having a learning disability for 

children aged 3–17 years, by race: United States, 2014 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

36. Age-adjusted percentage of ever having been told of having a learning disability for children 

aged 3–17 years, by Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander detailed race: United States, 2014 . . . . . . . 60

37. Age-adjusted percentage of ever having been told of having attention-deficit/

hyperactivity disorder for children aged 3–17 years, by race: United States, 2014 . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

38. Age-adjusted percentage of ever having been told of having attention-deficit/

hyperactivity disorder for children aged 3–17 years, by Native Hawaiian and 

Pacific Islander detailed race: United States, 2014 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62

39. Age-adjusted percentage of children under age 18 years having a problem for 

which prescription medication had been taken regularly for at least 3 months, by race: 

United States, 2014 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64

40. Age-adjusted percentage of children under age 18 years having a problem for 

which prescription medication had been taken regularly for at least 3 months, by 

Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander detailed race: United States, 2014 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65

41. Age-adjusted percentage of adults aged 18 and over who participated in leisure-time 

aerobic and muscle-strengthening activities that meet the 2008 federal physical activity 

guidelines, by race: United States, 2014 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67

42. Age-adjusted percentage of adults aged 18 and over who participated in leisure-time 

aerobic and muscle-strengthening activities that meet the 2008 federal physical activity 

guidelines, by Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander detailed race: United States, 2014 . . . . . . . . . . . 68

Contents—Con.
NATIONAL CENTER FOR HEALTH STATISTICS viii Series 3, Number 40

43. Age-sex-adjusted prevalence of current smoking among adults aged 18 and over, by race:

United States, 2014 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71

44. Age-sex-adjusted prevalence of current smoking among adults aged 18 and over, by

Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander detailed race: United States, 2014 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72

45. Age-sex-adjusted percentage of adults aged 18 and over who had at least 1 heavy

drinking day in the past year, by race: United States, 2014 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74

46. Age-sex-adjusted percentage of adults aged 18 and over who had at least 1 heavy

drinking day in the past year, by Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander detailed race:

United States, 2014 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75

Detailed Tables

1. Crude and age-sex-adjusted percent distributions of respondent-assessed health status

among persons of all ages, by race including Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander

detailed race: United States, 2014 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

2. Crude and age-adjusted percentages of body mass index among adults aged 18 and over, by

race including Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander detailed race: United States, 2014. . . . . . . . . . . 15

3. Crude and age-sex-adjusted percentages of adults aged 65 and over who need help with

personal care from other persons, by race including Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander

detailed race: United States, 2014 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

4. Crude and age-sex-adjusted percentages of adults aged 18 and over who experienced

serious psychological distress during the past 30 days, by race including

Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander detailed race: United States, 2014 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

5. Crude and age-adjusted percentages of adults aged 18 and over with selected

diagnosed circulatory diseases and conditions, by race including Native Hawaiian and

Pacific Islander detailed race: United States, 2014 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

6. Crude and age-adjusted percentages of adults aged 18 and over with selected diagnosed

respiratory diseases, by race including Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander detailed race:

United States, 2014 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

7. Crude and age-adjusted percentages of children under age 18 years ever having or still having

diagnosed asthma, by race including Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander detailed race:

United States, 2014 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

8. Crude and age-adjusted percentages of adults aged 18 and over with selected diagnosed

cancers, by race including Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander detailed race:

United States, 2014 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

9. Crude and age-adjusted percentages of adults aged 18 and over with selected diagnosed

diseases and conditions, by race including Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander

detailed race: United States, 2014 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

10. Crude and age-adjusted percentages of children under age 18 years with hay fever or

respiratory, food, or skin allergies in the past 12 months, by race including

Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander detailed race: United States, 2014 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

11. Crude and age-adjusted percentages of adults aged 18 and over with migraines or pain in

neck or lower back, by race including Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander detailed race:

United States, 2014 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

Contents—Con.
Series 3, Number 40 ix NATIONAL CENTER FOR HEALTH STATISTICS 

Contents—Con.

12. Crude and age-adjusted percentages of adults aged 18 and over with hearing trouble, 

vision trouble, or absence of teeth, by race including Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander 

detailed race: United States, 2014 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

13. Crude and age-adjusted percentages of adults aged 18 and over with difficulties in 

physical functioning, by race including Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander detailed race: 

United States, 2014 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

14. Crude and age-adjusted percentages of children aged 3–17 years ever having been told of 

having a learning disability or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in the past year, by 

race including Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander detailed race: United States, 2014. . . . . . . . . . . 63

15. Crude and age-adjusted percentages of children under age 18 years having a problem for 

which prescription medication had been taken regularly for at least 3 months, by race including 

Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander detailed race: United States, 2014 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66

16. Crude and age-adjusted percent distributions of participation in leisure-time aerobic and 

muscle-strengthening activities that meet 2008 federal physical activity guidelines among 

adults aged 18 and over, by race including Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander detailed race: 

United States, 2014 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69

17. Crude and age-sex-adjusted prevalences of smoking status among adults aged 18 and over, 

by race including Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander detailed race: United States, 2014 . . . . . . . . . 73

18. Crude and age-sex-adjusted percentages of adults aged 18 and over who had at least 

1 heavy drinking day in the past year, by race including Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander 

detailed race: United States, 2014 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76

Appendix Table

Weighted frequency distribution of survey participants, by age and race including 

Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander detailed race: United States, 2014 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
NATIONAL CENTER FOR HEALTH STATISTICS x Series 3, Number 40

Acknowledgments

The National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) would like 

to thank the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services 

Office of Minority Health for the support it provided for this 

project and the U.S. Census Bureau for technical assistance 

and data collection. NCHS would also like to thank the 

Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander leaders, community 

members, academic experts, and service providers for the 

support they provided for this project. Finally, NCHS would 

like to thank all of the respondents who participated in this 

survey. 
Series 3, Number 40 1 NATIONAL CENTER FOR HEALTH STATISTICS

Health Conditions and Behaviors of 

Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander 

Persons in the United States, 2014

by Adena M. Galinsky, Ph.D., Carla E. Zelaya, Ph.D., Catherine Simile, Ph.D., and Patricia M. Barnes, M.A.

Key Findings 

Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (NHPI) people in 

the United States were less likely to have excellent or 

very good health (61.4%) compared with the overall U.S. 

population (67.3%), but there were differences in health 

among NHPI detailed race groups.

● The prevalence of excellent or very good health was 

significantly lower among all NHPI persons (61.4%), 

multiple-race NHPI persons (63.7%), and single-race 

NHPI persons (59.3%), compared with single-race 

white (68.8%) and single-race Asian (68.0%) persons 

(Figure 1).

● The prevalence of excellent or very good health was not 

significantly different between single-race NHPI (59.3%) 

and single-race black (58.2%) persons (Figure 1).

● Single-race NHPI persons were less likely to be in 

excellent or very good health (59.3%) compared with 

multiple-race NHPI persons (63.7%) (Figure 1). 

● Guamanian or Chamorro persons were more likely to 

have excellent or very good health (66.7%) compared 

with Samoan (57.5%) and Native Hawaiian (61.3%) 

persons (Figure 2).

Objectives

The body of nationally representative health 

statistics for the Native Hawaiian and Pacific 

Islander (NHPI) population is limited, because 

even the largest health surveys generally do not 

have an adequate NHPI sample to calculate 

reliable NHPI statistics. Using data from the 

Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander National 

Health Interview Survey (NHPI NHIS) from the 

National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS), this 

report fills this gap by presenting statistics on 

health conditions and behaviors for (a) the total 

NHPI population and the multiple- and singlerace NHPI populations, in comparison with other 

federal race groups and the total U.S. population; 

(b) single-race NHPI persons compared with 

multiple-race NHPI persons; and (c) detailed NHPI 

race groups in comparison with each other and 

the total U.S. population.

Methods

The NHPI statistics were calculated using 2014 

NHPI NHIS data, while the other race group 

statistics were calculated using 2014 data from 

NCHS’ annual National Health Interview Survey.

Results

Compared with Asian adults, NHPI adults had 

higher rates of a range of health conditions, 

including lower back pain, serious psychological 

distress, asthma, and cancer. The prevalence of 

some health conditions, including cancer, ulcers, 

and diabetes, did not differ significantly between 

NHPI and black adults. Samoan adults were more 

likely than Native Hawaiian and Guamanian or 

Chamorro adults to have lower back pain and 

any physical difficulty, and they were less likely 

to have a healthy body weight. Native Hawaiian 

adults were more likely than Pacific Islander 

adults to have asthma. Single-race NHPI adults 

had higher rates of diabetes and were more likely 

to report at least 1 heavy drinking day in the past 

year, but they were less likely to have asthma, 

compared with multiple-race NHPI adults.

Keywords: Samoan • Guamanian or Chamorro • 

disparities • chronic disease

 Abstract
NATIONAL CENTER FOR HEALTH STATISTICS 2 Series 3, Number 40

Among adults aged 18 and over, the prevalence of many 

selected health conditions differed significantly between 

NHPI and Asian populations. 

Examples include:

● Adults who experienced serious psychological distress: 

4.1% among all NHPI adults, 3.8% among multiple-race 

NHPI adults, and 4.3% among single-race NHPI adults, 

all of which were significantly higher than prevalence 

among single-race Asian adults (1.6%) (Figure 6).

● Adults who still have asthma: 9.8% among all NHPI 

adults, 12.2% among multiple-race NHPI adults, and 

8.1% among single-race NHPI adults, all of which were 

significantly higher than prevalence among single-race 

Asian adults (4.9%) (Figure 13).

● Adults with any cancer: 5.7% among all NHPI adults, 

5.4% among multiple-race NHPI adults, and 6.1% among 

single-race NHPI adults, all of which were significantly 

higher than prevalence among single-race Asian adults 

(3.3%) (Figure 19).

● Adults with lower back pain: 28.3% among all NHPI 

adults, 26.8% among multiple-race NHPI adults, and 

29.4% among single-race NHPI adults, all of which were 

significantly higher than prevalence among single-race 

Asian adults (17.6%) (Figure 29).

The prevalence of some selected health behaviors differed 

significantly between NHPI and Asian adults aged 18 and 

over. 

Examples include:

● Adults who participated in leisure-time aerobic and 

muscle-strengthening activities that meet the 2008 

federal physical activity guidelines: 25.6% among all 

NHPI adults, 30.9% among multiple-race NHPI adults, 

and 21.1% among single-race NHPI adults, all of which 

were significantly higher than prevalence among singlerace Asian adults (17.0%) (Figure 41).

● Adults who currently smoke: 16.5% among all NHPI 

adults, 16.4% among multiple-race NHPI adults, and 

16.3% among single-race NHPI adults, all of which were 

significantly higher than prevalence among single-race 

Asian adults (9.5%) (Figure 43).

● Adults who had at least 1 heavy drinking day in the 

past year: 27.8% among all NHPI adults, 30.4% among 

multiple-race NHPI adults, and 25.9% among singlerace NHPI adults, all of which were significantly higher 

than prevalence among single-race Asian adults (13.3%) 

(Figure 45).

The prevalence of some selected health conditions did not 

differ significantly between NHPI and black adults. 

Examples include:

● Adults aged 65 and over who need help with personal 

care: 11.8% among all NHPI adults, 11.5% among 

multiple-race NHPI adults, and 12.0% among single-race 

NHPI adults, compared with 11.1% among single-race 

black adults (Figure 5).

● Adults aged 18 and over with any cancer: 5.7% among 

all NHPI adults, 5.4% among multiple-race NHPI adults, 

and 6.1% among single-race NHPI adults, compared with 

4.5% among single-race black adults (Figure 19).

● Adults aged 18 and over with ulcers: 5.9% among all 

NHPI adults, 5.2% among multiple-race NHPI adults, and 

6.5% among single-race NHPI adults, compared with 

5.2% among single-race black adults (Figure 21).

● Adults aged 18 and over with diabetes: 15.2% among 

all NHPI adults, 12.0% among multiple-race NHPI adults, 

and 17.8% among single-race NHPI adults, compared 

with 13.2% among single-race black adults (Figure 23).

● Adults aged 18 and over with any physical difficulty: 

16.0% among all NHPI adults, 13.9% among multiplerace NHPI adults, and 17.7% among single-race NHPI 

adults, compared with 17.4% among single-race black 

adults (Figure 33).

The prevalence of some selected health conditions and 

behaviors did not differ significantly between NHPI, white, 

and black adults aged 18 and over.

Examples include:

● Adults who experienced serious psychological distress: 

4.1% among all NHPI adults, 3.8% among multiple-race 

NHPI adults, and 4.3% among single-race NHPI adults, 

compared with 3.1% among single-race white and 3.3% 

among single-race black adults (Figure 6).

● Adults with any heart disease: 10.8% among all NHPI 

adults, 9.8% among multiple-race NHPI adults, and 

11.8% among single-race NHPI adults, compared with 

11.1% among single-race white and 10.3% among singlerace black adults (Figure 9).

● Adults who currently smoke: 16.5% among all NHPI 

adults, 16.4% among multiple-race NHPI adults, and 

16.3% among single-race NHPI adults, compared with 

17.4% among single-race white and 17.4% among singlerace black adults (Figure 43).

The prevalence of some selected health conditions and 

behaviors differed significantly between multiple-race 

NHPI and single-race NHPI adults aged 18 and over.

● Adults who still have asthma: 8.1% among singlerace NHPI adults, which was significantly lower than 
Series 3, Number 40 3 NATIONAL CENTER FOR HEALTH STATISTICS

prevalence among multiple-race NHPI adults (12.2%) 

(Figure 13).

● Adults with diabetes: 17.8% among single-race NHPI 

adults, which was significantly higher than prevalence 

among multiple-race NHPI adults (12.0%) (Figure 23).

● Adults who participated in leisure-time aerobic and 

muscle-strengthening activities that meet the 2008 

federal physical activity guidelines: 21.1% among singlerace NHPI adults, which was significantly lower than 

prevalence among multiple-race NHPI adults (30.9%) 

(Figure 41).

● Adults who had at least 1 heavy drinking day in the past 

year: 25.9% among single-race NHPI adults, which was 

significantly lower than prevalence among multiple-race 

NHPI adults (30.4%) (Figure 45).

The prevalence of some selected health conditions differed 

significantly between Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander 

adults and among detailed Pacific Islander populations. 

Examples include:

● Adults who had a healthy body weight: 12.7% among 

Samoan adults, which was lower than prevalence among 

Native Hawaiian (27.3%), Guamanian or Chamorro (25.7%), 

and Other Pacific Islander (21.9%) adults (Figure 4).

● Adults who still had asthma: 13.3% among Native 

Hawaiian adults, which was significantly higher than 

prevalence among Pacific Islander adults (5.8%) 

(Figure 14).

● Adults with lower back pain: 37.0% among Samoan 

adults, which was significantly higher than prevalence 

among Native Hawaiian (28.4%), Guamanian or 

Chamorro (23.6%), and Other Pacific Islander (24.2%) 

adults (Figure 30). 

● Adults with any physical difficulty: 26.7% among 

Samoan adults, which was significantly higher than 

prevalence among Native Hawaiian (15.2%), Guamanian 

or Chamorro (12.6%), and Other Pacific Islander (18.4%) 

adults (Figure 34).

Introduction

In 1997, the federal Office of Management and Budget 

(OMB) separated the Asian or Pacific Islander (API) race 

category into two categories, requiring federal agencies 

to begin reporting statistics that separately and accurately 

described the Asian and the Native Hawaiian and Pacific 

Islander (NHPI) populations (1). In the 20 years since, the 

body of NHPI health statistics has hardly grown. Even the 

largest health surveys have struggled to obtain an adequate 

NHPI sample to calculate reliable NHPI statistics. In 2014, 

the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS), the 

agency that conducts the National Health Interview Survey 

(NHIS), took a major step toward addressing this problem 

by conducting the Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander 

National Health Interview Survey (NHPI NHIS) (2). The 

survey’s sampling frame consisted of addresses with one or 

more NHPI residents from a single year of the U.S. Census 

Bureau’s American Community Survey (ACS). The NHPI NHIS 

public-use data file can be used to estimate prevalence and 

predictors of a wide range of health conditions and health 

care access and utilization among NHPI persons. 

Along with the NHPI NHIS public-use data files, NCHS 

provides extensive documentation to assist researchers in 

conducting data analysis. However, NCHS recognized that 

many individuals and organizations who are interested in 

the NHPI population may not have the resources to analyze 

the data themselves. As a service to these parties, this report 

provides an overview of results from the NHPI NHIS. This 

report presents a range of statistics on health conditions 

and health behaviors for the NHPI population calculated 

using data from the 2014 NHPI NHIS and compares them 

with health statistics for other race groups (white, black, 

American Indian or Alaska Native [AIAN], and Asian), 

calculated using 2014 data from NHIS. Similar statistics on 

NHPI health care access and utilization are available in a 

forthcoming companion report (3).

The results presented in this report highlight patterns of 

differences and similarities between the NHPI and other 

race groups, and within the NHPI population. Because 

the representative sample obtained in the NHPI NHIS is 

so large, the variance for the NHPI estimates is relatively 

small, which means that the NHPI health statistics are more 

precise and reliable than previously published national 

NHPI statistics. As a result, differences in health statistics 

between NHPI and other race groups that often cannot be 

interpreted due to the large variance of the NHPI statistics, 

are here statistically significant. Furthermore, the larger 

sample size makes it possible to calculate, and consequently 

present in this report, statistics and comparisons between 

both multiple-race NHPI and single-race NHPI persons and 

some detailed NHPI groups (Native Hawaiian, Samoan, and 

Guamanian or Chamorro), showcasing the diversity found 

within the NHPI population. 

Background

Before 1997, very little was known about NHPI population 

health at the national level. This was due to OMB’s 

classification of API as a single race category. Because the 

NHPI population composed only a very small fraction of the 

API population, API statistics essentially described only the 

Asian population. 

In 1997, OMB separated the API category into two 

categories: Asian and Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific 

Islander (1). An Asian person was defined as “a person 

having origins in any of the original peoples of the Far East, 

Southeast Asia, or the Indian subcontinent, including, for 
NATIONAL CENTER FOR HEALTH STATISTICS 4 Series 3, Number 40

example, Cambodia, China, India, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, 

Pakistan, the Philippine Islands, Thailand, and Vietnam.” 

A Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander person was 

defined as “a person having origins in any of the original 

peoples of Hawaii, Guam, Samoa, or other Pacific Islands.” 

The term “Native Hawaiian” does not include individuals 

who are native to the state of Hawaii by virtue of being born 

there. 

Since OMB implemented the new standard, federal agencies 

have been required to report statistics that describe the 

characteristics of a minimum of five race categories, 

including NHPI. However, in the almost 20 years since that 

change, there have only been limited reliable national NHPI 

health statistics available and almost no reliable national 

health statistics for detailed NHPI groups (e.g., Native 

Hawaiian or Samoan). 

Agencies conducting federal surveys have struggled to meet 

these standards and the demands for NHPI information, 

because it is challenging to collect and report on data from 

small populations. The NHPI population constitutes only 

about 0.4% of the total U.S. population and is geographically 

concentrated (4). (Only about 0.4% of the total U.S. 

population identifies as NHPI alone or in combination with 

one or more other races, according to 2010 census data [4].) 

The small population size and geographic concentration of 

the population make traditional oversampling strategies 

very expensive. Geographic concentration does not mean 

that NHPI people live only in certain areas, but rather that a 

substantial fraction are clustered in certain states and areas, 

while the rest are widely dispersed across the country. 

Because the population is numerically small, in any given 

area of the country in which the NHPI population is not 

concentrated, there are very few NHPI people. 

Consequently, using traditional oversampling strategies to 

obtain representative NHPI samples in areas of the country 

in which the NHPI population is not concentrated could 

require thousands of households to be screened in order 

to identify one NHPI household. As a result, NHPI people 

are not typically oversampled, and only small samples 

of NHPI people are available even in the largest health 

studies. Consequently, it is difficult to obtain an adequate 

NHPI sample to calculate reliable NHPI statistics in even the 

largest surveys like NHIS. 

These small sample sizes translate into limited information. 

First, the variance of estimates for the population that the 

sample represents is large, which means that the estimates 

have low reliability. Estimates whose reliability do not meet 

NCHS standards are suppressed or printed with the warning 

that they should be interpreted cautiously due to their low 

reliability. Sometimes there is no one in the sample with a 

particular outcome, which falsely suggests that the outcome 

does not occur in the population. Second, even when an 

estimate is published, and the variance is considered 

acceptably small, the variance is still usually larger than 

the variance for estimates for other racial groups. This 

makes it difficult to know if an observed lack of statistically 

significant difference between NHPI and other racial groups 

indicates a true lack of difference at the population level 

or only the high variance of the estimate. Third, to protect 

the confidentiality of respondents within a small sample 

from a relatively small population, variables that could be 

used to identify respondents are stripped from the publicly 

released data set or aggregated with other similar variables. 

As a result, researchers without access to the restricted 

data are limited in the kinds of analyses they can perform. 

The cumulative effect of all of these limitations is a shortage 

of information about the population.

NHIS is one of the few sources of national health 

information on the NHPI population. For example, NHIS 

data have been used to calculate statistics that illustrate 

the high rates of hypertension and diabetes in the NHPI 

population, particularly as compared with the Asian 

population (5,6). However, there are limitations to the 

NHPI statistics calculated using NHIS data. First, there are 

a range of health topics for which many estimates have 

low reliability. Examples include mental health problems, 

physical pain, and cancer (7,9,10). Such estimates with low 

stability and precision are less than ideal for their own sake, 

but also for the purpose of making comparisons. Underlying 

differences between the NHPI and other race groups in the 

United States can be obscured by the variance of the NHPI 

estimate. 

Second, it is not possible to use the public-use NHIS data 

file to calculate any NHPI statistics, let alone statistics 

for detailed NHPI groups, because the race variables are 

coarsened (transformed so that multiple categories are 

collapsed into a smaller set of categories) on the publicuse file to protect respondents’ confidentiality. Finergrained race variables (those that retain a full or fuller set 

of categories) are available on the restricted NHIS data 

files, but even after combining multiple years of restricteduse NHIS data sets, statistics calculated for detailed NHPI 

groups, such as Native Hawaiian or Samoan, are often 

unreliable. What little is known about the health of these 

detailed NHPI group populations comes from regional- and 

state-level surveys (11,12). 

Several reports and directives have emphasized the 

importance of finding ways to expand the body of reliable 

statistics for a range of numerically small racially defined 

populations, including NHPI (1,13–15). In 2013, NCHS found 

a way to accomplish this. A new policy on the use of the U.S. 

Census Bureau’s ACS for federal followback surveys made 

it possible for NCHS to use it as a frame for an NHPI health 

survey. 

The Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander 

National Health Interview Survey 

The NHPI NHIS was the first federal survey designed 

exclusively to measure the health of the civilian 
Series 3, Number 40 5 NATIONAL CENTER FOR HEALTH STATISTICS

noninstitutionalized NHPI population of the United States. 

Conducted in 2014, the goal of the NHPI NHIS was to 

produce a high-quality NHPI health data set that could 

be used in a wide range of research activities to generate 

reliable NHPI health statistics to better understand various 

determinants of health, disparities in health, and health 

outcomes in the NHPI population. The survey’s sampling 

frame consisted of addresses in a single year of ACS with 

one or more NHPI residents. An NHPI resident was defined 

as a person of any age living at the address at the time of 

ACS who was reported to have an NHPI racial identity, alone 

or in combination with one or more other racial identities. 

(Racial identity was the only criterion for inclusion; there 

was no distinction made based on ethnicity [i.e., both 

Hispanic and non-Hispanic NHPI people were included.]) 

The survey’s sample comprised households at those 

addresses in 2014 in which at least one civilian household 

resident was identified in NHPI NHIS as NHPI alone or in 

combination with some other race. The survey used the 

2014 NHIS questionnaire, modified only as necessary for 

sample control and to meet the legislative requirements 

specific to the survey. The Census Bureau’s trained NHIS 

field interviewers administered the survey via the same 

computer-assisted personal interviewing method used for 

NHIS. For more information on the design and methods of 

the NHPI NHIS and the 2014 NHIS, see Appendix I in this 

report, the NHPI NHIS survey description (2), and the NHIS 

survey description (16).

The survey and the data set it produced have a number of 

strengths. First, because of its design, the survey yielded 

a very large, representative sample of NHPI households. 

The publicly released data files contain data for 3,197 

households containing 11,085 persons in 3,212 families. Of 

the 11,085 persons, 8,661 were reported to be NHPI alone 

or in combination with one or more other races (2). This 

unprecedented sample size makes it possible to calculate 

NHPI health statistics for the total NHPI population, 

multiple- and single-race NHPI persons, and for detailed 

NHPI groups, with precision and reliability. Second, because 

the NHPI NHIS was designed to maximize the comparability 

of its data with the 2014 NHIS data, it is possible to conduct 

statistical tests to evaluate the significance of differences 

between NHPI estimates calculated using 2014 NHPI NHIS 

data and other race group estimates calculated using 2014 

NHIS data. Because of the high reliability of the observed 

NHPI estimates, differences between the NHPI population 

and other populations, where they exist, are more often 

statistically significant. Third, because the NHPI NHIS 

used the standard NHIS instrument, these calculations 

and comparisons can be conducted for a wide range of 

health measures. Consistent with its standard practice, 

NCHS prepared and released an NHPI NHIS public-use data 

file. It is available for download, complete with extensive 

documentation, from the NHIS website (https://www.cdc.

gov/nchs/nhis/nhpi.html). 

The main limitation of the public-use NHPI NHIS data file 

is the set of restrictions in place to protect respondent 

confidentiality. NCHS (including its contractors and agents) 

collects personally identifiable data through NHIS, NHPI 

NHIS, and other surveys under a pledge of confidentiality 

and a promise that the data will be used only for statistical 

purposes. Strict procedures in survey operations and 

data dissemination are used by NCHS, its data-collection 

contractors, and other agents to prevent disclosure of 

respondents’ identities. The risk of inadvertently disclosing 

confidential information is higher in a publicly released 

data set with a detailed and extensive set of survey 

observations. For this reason, like all NHIS public-use data 

sets, the NHPI NHIS data set was coarsened: Some survey 

variables were suppressed while others were collapsed 

or had their response categories collapsed. The most 

important of these changes concerns the race variables. 

Using the variables provided in the public-use data set, it 

is only possible to determine if a person is NHPI only or 

NHPI in combination with one or more other races. It is 

not possible to disaggregate the NHPI persons into detailed 

NHPI race groups—not even into Native Hawaiian or Pacific 

Islander. Researchers wishing to conduct analyses using 

the fine-grained race variables from the 2014 NHPI NHIS, 

including the more than 40 detailed NHPI race variables, 

must apply to use the restricted NHPI NHIS data file. For 

more information, visit the Federal Statistical Research 

Data Centers website (https://www.census.gov/fsrdc) and 

the Center for Economic Studies’ RDC Research website 

(https://www.census.gov/ces/rdcresearch/howtoapply.

html). 

Purpose of Report 

NCHS recognizes that many individuals and organizations 

who are interested in the NHPI population may not have 

the ability to analyze the NHPI NHIS data themselves. 

Furthermore, even among those with statistical skills, many 

will not have the time and resources to access the restricted 

files to conduct analysis for NHPI detailed groups (e.g., 

Native Hawaiian or Samoan). 

The purpose of this report is to provide a resource to service 

providers, policy makers, researchers and teachers, NHPI 

community members and leaders, and all others interested 

in the health of the total NHPI population and detailed NHPI 

population groups. This report provides an overview of 

results from the NHPI NHIS. Specifically, it presents a range 

of NHPI health statistics calculated using data from the 

2014 NHPI NHIS and compares them with health statistics 

for other race groups calculated using 2014 data from NHIS.

The three specific aims of this report are to provide 

nationally representative health statistics for: (a) the total 

NHPI population and the multiple- and single-race NHPI 

populations in comparison with other federal race groups 

(single-race white, black, Asian, and AIAN) and the total U.S. 

population; (b) single-race NHPI compared with multiple-
NATIONAL CENTER FOR HEALTH STATISTICS 6 Series 3, Number 40

race NHPI persons; and (c) detailed NHPI race groups in 

comparison with each other and the total U.S. population. 

Health statistics for the total, multiple-race, and single-race 

NHPI populations are compared with statistics for other 

federal race groups and the total U.S. population in a figure 

and corresponding table for each selected health measure. 

The results presented in this report highlight in particular 

the pattern of differences between the NHPI and Asian 

populations and the similarities between the NHPI and 

black populations. 

Statistical comparisons between single-race and multiplerace NHPI persons are also presented in the same figures 

and tables. This comparison is of interest because a large 

fraction (more than 50%) of the NHPI population reports at 

least two federal race categories (compared with about 3% 

of the total U.S. population [17]). A much larger fraction of 

the Native Hawaiian population is multiple race, compared 

with the Pacific Islander population (4). This comparison, 

together with comparisons of both single- and multiple 

race populations with other racial populations, highlights 

some of the commonalities between people who report 

themselves as NHPI and some of the areas where such 

people differ according to whether they report NHPI alone 

or in combination with one or more other races. 

Comparisons among detailed NHPI race groups and with 

the overall U.S. population are presented in new figures, 

but the NHPI detailed race statistics are shown in the same 

tables with statistics for the total NHPI population and other 

federal race groups. These data aim to further highlight the 

diversity within the NHPI population. Some figures compare 

the two major populations, Native Hawaiian and Pacific 

Islander, which together compose the NHPI population. 

Other figures additionally compare the Native Hawaiian 

population with the three populations that compose 

the Pacific Islander population—Samoan, Guamanian or 

Chamorro, and Other Pacific Islander. The detailed NHPI 

race groups shown in these figures include both single- and 

multiple-race NHPI people. The corresponding tables show 

statistics for an even broader range of detailed NHPI groups 

than could be showcased in the figures. 

This report provides national prevalence estimates and 

corresponding standard errors, by select racial groups in 

the U.S. civilian noninstitutionalized population, for a broad 

range of health measures. 

The following topics are examined: 

● Absence of natural teeth 

● Alcohol consumption

● Allergies

● Angina

● Arthritis

● Asthma

● Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder

● Body mass index 

● Cancer

● Chronic joint problems

● Cigarette smoking status

● Coronary heart disease

● Diabetes 

● Difficulties in physical functioning

● General health status 

● Hay fever

● Hearing and vision trouble

● Hypertension 

● Kidney disease 

● Learning disability 

● Leisure-time physical activity 

● Liver disease

● Migraines or severe headaches

● Myocardial infarction 

● Pain

● Personal care needs

● Prescription medication use 

● Serious psychological distress

● Sinusitis

● Stroke

● Ulcers 

Statistically significant differences between NHPI and other 

race groups, and among NHPI detailed race groups, are 

noted in the figures. Health measures include respondentassessed health status, selected health conditions, and 

selected health behaviors. For statistics on NHPI health 

care access and utilization, see "Health Care Access and 

Utilization Among Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander 

Persons in the United States, 2014" (3).

The information in this report is intended for use by a 

wide range of audiences. In addition to providing statistics 

in a clear format, familiarizing readers with the types of 

information available in the 2014 NHPI NHIS data files may 

encourage researchers to conduct their own analyses.

Approach and Methods

The health measures in this report were selected from 

those appearing in the NHIS Early Release Reports 

(http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/nhis/releases.htm) and the NHIS 

Summary Health Statistics (SHS) Tables (http://www.cdc.

gov/nchs/nhis/SHS.htm). Estimates are based on data from 

the Person, Sample Adult, and Sample Child files, which are 

derived from the Household Composition Section and the 

Family, Sample Adult, and Sample Child Core components 

of the NHPI NHIS and NHIS. Crude, age-adjusted, and agesex-adjusted percentages are shown by the racial categories 

described below. For more information on age and age-sex 

adjustment, see Appendix I. 

The estimates in the figures and tables presented for the 

NHPI population (and the detailed race groups within the 

NHPI population) are calculated using the 2014 NHPI NHIS 

data set. The total NHPI population (all NHPI) includes all 
Series 3, Number 40 7 NATIONAL CENTER FOR HEALTH STATISTICS

persons who identify as NHPI, including both those who 

identify with only one or more NHPI detailed race groups 

(single-race NHPI population) and those who identify with 

one or more NHPI detailed race groups and one or more 

race groups within the four other federal race categories 

(multiple-race NHPI population) (1). 

Estimates are also provided for all single-race and multiplerace NHPI persons and for the following detailed NHPI 

racial identities: Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, Samoan, 

Guamanian or Chamorro, and Other Pacific Islander. The 

estimates for the detailed race groups are presented for 

all NHPI, multiple-race NHPI, and single-race NHPI persons. 

The Samoan, Guamanian or Chamorro, and Other Pacific 

Islander groups together compose the Pacific Islander 

population. The Other Pacific Islander population includes 

all other specific NHPI racial identities, such as Tongan, Fijian, 

and Marshallese, as well as general NHPI racial identities 

named by respondents, such as Polynesian, Micronesian, 

Melanesian, and Pacific Islander. It also includes those who 

reported more than one Pacific Islander racial identity. These 

diverse groups are combined into the Other Pacific Islander 

category to create a category with adequate sample size for 

reliable statistics. The small fraction of the NHPI population 

that is both Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (3.4%) is 

included in the sample used to calculate total NHPI (see “All 

NHPI” category) statistics but is excluded from the sample 

used to calculate all detailed NHPI group statistics. The 

detailed NHPI race groups shown in the figures include both 

single- and multiple-race NHPI people. Weighted frequency 

distributions of persons by race are shown in the Table in 

Appendix I.

The estimates in the figures and tables, presented for the 

total U.S. population and for the U.S. single-race white, 

black, AIAN, and Asian populations, are calculated using 

separate 2014 data from the annual NHIS. Most of these 

estimates match those published in the 2014 SHS (available 

from: https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/nhis/SHS/tables.htm) or 

in “Early Release of Selected Estimates Based on Data From 

the 2014 National Health Interview Survey” (18). Those that 

differ do so because the earlier publications are based on 

preliminary data, use slightly different definitions, or do not 

adjust for age or age and sex in the same way.

NHPI population estimates calculated using 2014 data 

from NHIS are not shown in the tables. These estimates 

are generally not statistically significantly different from 

the corresponding 2014 NHPI NHIS estimates, and the 

estimates calculated using the NHPI NHIS are almost always 

more reliable. 

Figures are presented for one or two measures from each 

table. Each table has between one and four corresponding 

figures, showing statistics for at least one measure (health 

outcome) from that table. The figures, which are intended 

to be used for comparisons between race and detailed 

race groups, show age-adjusted and age-sex-adjusted 

percentages. Such percentages are designed to be used 

as relative indexes, permitting comparison among various 

sociodemographic subgroups that may have different age or 

age-sex structures (19,20). For example, in comparisons of 

NHPI adults with single-race Asian adults, NHPI adults were 

more likely to be younger and male. These adjustments 

permit the reader to look at the relative differences between 

adults in the two race groups that are not explained by age 

and sex differences. For more information about age and 

age-sex adjustment, see Appendix I. To determine actual 

risk or “burden” of illness, refer to the unadjusted or crude 

percentages in the tables.

The first figure for each measure compares NHPI estimates 

with other U.S. race group estimates and compares singlerace NHPI with multiple-race NHPI persons. The second 

figure for each measure, when it is included, compares 

estimates from NHPI detailed groups with each other. 

Specifically, the first figure shows the age-adjusted or 

age-sex-adjusted percentage of the selected measure 

for each race group, based on data from the 2014 NHPI 

NHIS (for all NHPI, single-race NHPI, and multiple-race 

NHPI populations) and the 2014 NHIS (for the total U.S. 

population and single-race white, black, AIAN, and Asian 

populations). The second figure for each measure shows 

the age-adjusted or age-sex-adjusted percentage of the 

selected measure for each detailed race group, based on 

data from the 2014 NHPI NHIS (for the total NHPI, Native 

Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander populations, and then within 

the Pacific Islander population [Samoan, Guamanian or 

Chamorro, and Other Pacific Islander]) and the 2014 NHIS 

(for the total U.S. population). If the sample sizes were too 

small to produce reliable estimates for detailed NHPI groups 

for a given measure, then only the first figure is presented. 
Figures and Tables
NATIONAL CENTER FOR HEALTH STATISTICS 10 Series 3, Number 40

● Among the total NHPI population, the percentage who 

had excellent or very good health was 61.4%, which was 

lower than the percentages among the total U.S. (67.3%), 

white (68.8%), and Asian (68.0%) populations, and higher 

than the percentages among the black (58.2%) and AIAN 

(55.1%) populations (Figure 1, Table 1). 

● Among the multiple-race NHPI population, the 

percentage who had excellent or very good health was 

63.7%, which was lower than the percentages among 

the total U.S. (67.3%), white (68.8%), and Asian (68.0%) 

populations, and higher than the percentages among the 

black (58.2%) and AIAN (55.1%) populations. 

● Among the single-race NHPI population, the percentage 

who had excellent or very good health was 59.3%, which 

was lower than the percentages among the total U.S. 

(67.3%), white (68.8%), and Asian (68.0%) populations; 

similar to the percentage among the black population 

(58.2%); and higher than but not significantly different 

from the percentage among the AIAN population 

(55.1%).

● The percentage of single-race NHPI persons who had 

excellent or very good health (59.3%) was lower than the 

percentage among multiple-race NHPI persons (63.7%).

General Health Status

Figure 1. Age-sex-adjusted percentage of persons of all ages who had excellent or very good health, by 

race: United States, 2014 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Series 3, Number 40 11 NATIONAL CENTER FOR HEALTH STATISTICS

● The percentage of Native Hawaiian persons who had 

excellent or very good health (61.3%) was similar to 

the percentages among all Pacific Islander (61.1%) and 

Other Pacific Islander (60.4%) persons, lower than the 

percentage among Guamanian or Chamorro persons 

(66.7%), and higher than but not significantly different 

from the percentage among Samoan persons (57.5%) 

(Figure 2, Table 1).

● The percentage of Samoan persons with excellent or very 

good health (57.5%) was lower than but not significantly 

different from the percentages among Other Pacific 

Islander (60.4%) and Native Hawaiian (61.3%) persons, 

and lower than the percentage among Guamanian or 

Chamorro persons (66.7%).

● Among the Guamanian or Chamorro population, the 

percentage who had excellent or very good health was 

66.7%, which was higher than the percentages among 

Samoan (57.5%) and Native Hawaiian (61.3%) persons, 

and higher than but not significantly different from 

the percentage among Other Pacific Islander persons 

(60.4%).

● The percentage of Other Pacific Islander persons who 

had excellent or very good health was 60.4%, which 

was similar to the percentage among Native Hawaiian 

persons (61.3%), higher than but not significantly 

different from the percentage among Samoan persons 

(57.5%), and lower than but not significantly different 

from the percentage among Guamanian or Chamorro 

persons (66.7%).

● The percentage of the total U.S. population who had 

excellent or very good health (67.3%) was similar to the 

percentage among Guamanian or Chamorro persons 

(66.7%), and higher than the percentages among Native 

Hawaiian (61.3%), all Pacific Islander (61.1%), Samoan 

(57.5%), and Other Pacific Islander (60.4%) persons.

General Health Status

Figure 2. Age-sex-adjusted percentage of persons of all ages who had excellent or very good health, by 

Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander detailed race: United States, 2014 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
NATIONAL CENTER FOR HEALTH STATISTICS 12 Series 3, Number 40

Table 1. Crude and age-sex-adjusted percent distributions of respondent-assessed health status among persons of 

all ages, by race including Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander detailed race: United States, 2014

Data source and race

Health status

Excellent or 

very good Good Fair or poor 

Excellent or 

very good Good Fair or poor

Crude percent (standard error) Age-sex-adjusted percent (standard error)

2014 NHIS

U.S. total1 66.5 (0.28) 23.7 (0.23) 9.8 (0.14) 67.3 (0.27) 23.3 (0.22) 9.4 (0.13)

Single-race: 

White 67.6 (0.32) 23.1 (0.25) 9.4 (0.16) 68.8 (0.30) 22.4 (0.25) 8.8 (0.14)

Black or African American 59.1 (0.67) 27.6 (0.57) 13.2 (0.37) 58.2 (0.62) 27.9 (0.56) 13.9 (0.36)

American Indian or Alaska

 Native 57.2 (3.07) 29.5 (2.82) 13.2 (1.41) 55.1 (2.91) 30.5 (2.75) 14.4 (1.37)

Asian 67.9 (0.97) 25.1 (0.90) 7.0 (0.42) 68.0 (0.94) 24.8 (0.89) 7.2 (0.41)

2014 NHPI NHIS

All NHPI:

NHPI total 65.5 (0.89) 24.8 (0.90) 9.6 (0.52) 61.4 (0.81) 26.6 (0.89) 12.1 (0.63)

Native Hawaiian 64.2 (0.97) 25.4 (0.89) 10.4 (0.60) 61.3 (0.99) 26.8 (0.90) 12.0 (0.63)

Pacific Islander 66.9 (1.71) 24.2 (1.67) 8.9 (0.75) 61.1 (1.59) 26.1 (1.73) 12.8 (0.98)

Samoan 63.4 (3.05) 26.3 (2.43) 10.3 (1.48) 57.5 (2.86) 27.6 (2.29) 14.9 (2.02)

Guamanian or Chamorro 70.8 (2.79) 19.3 (2.05) 9.9 (1.93) 66.7 (2.36) 19.9 (2.24) 13.4 (1.67)

Other Pacific Islander2 67.3 (3.44) 25.2 (3.15) 7.5 (1.00) 60.4 (3.18) 28.7 (2.96) 10.8 (1.22)

Multiple-race NHPI3

:

NHPI total 69.1 (1.25) 22.0 (1.13) 8.9 (0.58) 63.7 (1.31) 24.9 (1.21) 11.4 (0.72)

Native Hawaiian 65.3 (1.36) 24.3 (1.25) 10.4 (0.73) 61.7 (1.34) 26.1 (1.29) 12.2 (0.80)

Pacific Islander 82.4 (2.18) 13.8 (1.82) 3.8 (0.68) 71.2 (3.48) 21.0 (2.45) *7.8 (2.35)

Samoan 81.4 (3.69) 13.9 (2.96) *4.7 (1.88) 69.1 (3.83) 19.9 (4.21) 10.9 (2.67)

Guamanian or Chamorro 87.7 (2.32) 10.3 (2.19) *2.0 (0.71) 83.4 (3.31) 14.3 (3.26) 2.3 (0.52)

Other Pacific Islander2 76.6 (6.27) *18.4 (5.71) * 59.1 (8.98) 34.9 (8.68) *

Single-race NHPI4

:

NHPI total 62.1 (1.21) 27.5 (1.20) 10.3 (0.77) 59.3 (1.28) 28.2 (1.25) 12.5 (0.89)

Native Hawaiian 62.0 (2.29) 27.8 (2.03) 10.2 (1.02) 60.4 (2.23) 28.3 (1.99) 11.3 (1.09)

Pacific Islander 62.0 (2.04) 27.5 (2.04) 10.5 (0.94) 58.5 (1.95) 28.0 (2.05) 13.5 (1.10)

Samoan 55.8 (4.13) 31.5 (2.84) 12.7 (2.28) 53.1 (3.68) 31.0 (2.42) 15.9 (2.45)

Guamanian or Chamorro 60.5 (3.22) 24.8 (2.44) 14.6 (2.47) 60.8 (3.22) 23.9 (2.84) 15.4 (1.68)

Other Pacific Islander2 65.9 (3.86) 26.3 (3.54) 7.9 (1.07) 60.2 (3.71) 28.9 (3.33) 10.9 (1.26)

* Estimates are considered unreliable. Data preceded by an asterisk have a relative standard error (RSE) greater than 30% and less than or equal to 50% and 

should be used with caution. Data not shown have an RSE greater than 50%.

1

Includes other races not shown separately.

2

Includes all other specific NHPI racial identities, such as Tongan, Fijian, and Marshallese, as well as general NHPI racial identities, such as Polynesian, 

Micronesian, Melanesian, and Pacific Islander. It also includes those who reported more than one Pacific Islander racial identity. It does not include those who 

indicated Native Hawaiian in addition to one or more Pacific Islander races. The racial identity Polynesian is considered Pacific Islander, not Native Hawaiian. 

3

Indicates at least one other federal race category was reported in addition to NHPI. 

4

Indicates no other federal race category was reported.

NOTES: Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (NHPI) persons together compose the NHPI population. Samoan, Guamanian or Chamorro, and Other Pacific 

Islander persons together compose the Pacific Islander population. The 3.4% of the NHPI population that is both Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander is included 

in data for NHPI total under All NHPI, Multiple-race NHPl, and Single-race NHPI but is excluded from all other categories. Age-sex-adjusted estimates are adjusted 

using the projected 2000 U.S. population as the standard population and three age groups: 17 and under, 18–64, and 65 and over. NHIS is National Health 

Interview Survey.

SOURCES: NCHS, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander National Health Interview Survey, 2014, and National Health Interview Survey, 2014.
Series 3, Number 40 13 NATIONAL CENTER FOR HEALTH STATISTICS

● Among all NHPI adults, the percentage who had a 

healthy body weight was 24.6%, which was lower than 

the percentages among all U.S. (35.0%), white (34.9%), 

and Asian (55.4%) adults, and similar to the percentages 

among black (27.1%) and AIAN (24.1%) adults 

(Figure 3, Table 2).

● Among multiple-race NHPI adults, the percentage 

who had a healthy body weight was 27.4%, which was 

lower than the percentages among all U.S. (35.0%), 

white (34.9%), and Asian (55.4%) adults; similar to the 

percentage among black adults (27.1%); and higher 

than but not significantly different from the percentage 

among AIAN adults (24.1%).

● Among single-race NHPI adults, the percentage who had 

a healthy body weight was 22.4%, which was lower than 

the percentages among all U.S. (35.0%), white (34.9%), 

Asian (55.4%), and black (27.1%) adults, and lower 

than but not significantly different from the percentage 

among AIAN adults (24.1%).

● The percentage of single-race NHPI adults who had a 

healthy body weight (22.4%) was lower than but not 

significantly different from the percentage among 

multiple-race NHPI adults (27.4%).

Body Mass Index

Figure 3. Age-adjusted percentage of adults aged 18 and over who have a healthy body weight, by race: 

United States, 2014

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

27.1

 

 

 

 
NATIONAL CENTER FOR HEALTH STATISTICS 14 Series 3, Number 40

● The percentage of Native Hawaiian adults who had 

a healthy body weight (27.3%) was higher than the 

percentages among all Pacific Islander (21.1%) and 

Samoan (12.7%) adults, and higher than but not 

significantly different from the percentages of Guamanian 

or Chamorro (25.7%) and Other Pacific Islander (21.9%) 

adults (Figure 4, Table 2). 

● The percentage of Samoan adults who had a healthy 

body weight was 12.7%, which was lower than the 

percentages among Native Hawaiian (27.3%), Guamanian 

or Chamorro (25.7%), and Other Pacific Islander (21.9%) 

adults.

● The percentage of Guamanian or Chamorro adults who 

had a healthy body weight (25.7%) was higher than 

the percentage among Samoan adults (12.7%), lower 

than but not significantly different from the percentage 

among Native Hawaiian adults (27.3%), and higher than 

but not significantly different from the percentage of 

Other Pacific Islander adults (21.9%). 

● The percentage of Other Pacific Islander adults with a 

healthy body weight (21.9%) was lower than but not 

significantly different from the percentages among 

Native Hawaiian (27.3%) and Guamanian or Chamorro 

(25.7%) adults, and higher than the percentage among 

Samoan adults (12.7%). 

● The percentage of all U.S. adults who had a healthy body 

weight (35.0%) was higher than the percentages among 

Native Hawaiian (27.3%), all Pacific Islander (21.1%), 

Samoan (12.7%), Guamanian or Chamorro (25.7%), and 

Other Pacific Islander (21.9%) adults.

Body Mass Index

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Figure 4. Age-adjusted percentage of adults aged 18 and over who have a healthy body weight, by Native 

Hawaiian and Pacific Islander detailed race: United States, 2014 
Series 3, Number 40 15 NATIONAL CENTER FOR HEALTH STATISTICS

Table 2. Crude and age-adjusted percentages of body mass index among adults aged 18 and over, by race including 

Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander detailed race: United States, 2014

Data source and race Underweight

Healthy

weight Overweight Obese Underweight

Healthy

weight Overweight Obese

Crude percent (standard error) Age-adjusted percent (standard error)

2014 NHIS

U.S. total1 1.9 (0.11) 34.3 (0.38) 34.5 (0.35) 29.3 (0.37) 2.0 (0.12) 35.0 (0.39) 34.2 (0.35) 28.9 (0.38)

Single-race: 

White 1.7 (0.12) 34.0 (0.43) 35.5 (0.40) 28.8 (0.41) 1.8 (0.13) 34.9 (0.45) 35.0 (0.41) 28.2 (0.43)

Black or African American 1.4 (0.28) 26.7 (0.84) 31.5 (0.87) 40.4 (0.99) 1.4 (0.28) 27.1 (0.84) 31.6 (0.87) 39.8 (0.98)

American Indian or Alaska

 Native * 22.6 (3.63) 31.7 (3.40) 43.4 (3.95) * 24.1 (3.78) 31.2 (3.31) 42.3 (3.85)

Asian 4.7 (0.59) 55.4 (1.47) 28.6 (1.30) 11.2 (0.95) 5.0 (0.62) 55.4 (1.46) 28.6 (1.28) 11.0 (0.92)

2014 NHPI NHIS

All NHPI:

NHPI total *1.7 (0.64) 24.2 (1.28) 31.6 (1.65) 42.6 (1.42) *1.6 (0.60) 24.6 (1.21) 32.5 (1.50) 41.3 (1.41)

Native Hawaiian *1.9 (0.83) 27.0 (2.03) 33.2 (1.90) 37.9 (1.80) *1.8 (0.75) 27.3 (1.85) 33.5 (1.79) 37.4 (1.74)

Pacific Islander * 21.6 (1.95) 29.2 (2.15) 47.8 (2.83) * 21.1 (1.73) 32.5 (2.03) 44.5 (2.58)

Samoan * 14.1 (3.32) 23.0 (3.32) 62.2 (4.81) * 12.7 (2.92) 27.0 (3.57) 59.7 (4.64)

Guamanian or Chamorro * 25.8 (4.44) 31.9 (3.27) 40.8 (4.25) * 25.7 (3.60) 33.8 (3.59) 38.2 (3.60)

Other Pacific Islander2 * 23.7 (3.13) 31.4 (3.83) 43.0 (3.56) * 21.9 (2.70) 38.2 (3.61) 38.0 (3.31)

Multiple-race NHPI3

:

NHPI total *2.1 (0.97) 27.1 (1.91) 32.6 (2.35) 38.1 (2.32) *2.0 (0.84) 27.4 (1.84) 33.6 (2.23) 37.1 (2.38)

Native Hawaiian * 28.1 (1.87) 34.6 (2.41) 35.0 (2.16) *2.2 (1.06) 28.4 (1.77) 35.0 (2.30) 34.4 (2.24)

Pacific Islander * 28.6 (7.71) 23.2 (3.27) 46.3 (6.94) * 27.2 (6.77) 28.3 (4.67) 43.3 (5.63)

Samoan – *26.4 (9.55) *15.5 (5.48) 58.0 (10.95) † † † †

Guamanian or Chamorro * *35.3 (15.44) 25.2 (5.98) *35.8 (13.85) † † † †

Other Pacific Islander2 * *12.3 (4.74) 42.1 (10.24) 43.7 (9.25) † † † †

Single-race NHPI4

:

NHPI total * 21.8 (2.24) 30.7 (2.64) 46.2 (1.85) * 22.4 (2.23) 31.6 (2.55) 44.6 (1.74)

Native Hawaiian * 25.0 (4.47) 30.7 (4.43) 43.2 (3.44) * 25.0 (4.23) 30.8 (4.39) 43.0 (3.06)

Pacific Islander * 20.3 (2.00) 30.3 (2.66) 48.0 (2.89) * 20.2 (2.12) 32.9 (2.43) 44.9 (2.75)

Samoan * 10.1 (2.89) 25.3 (4.14) 63.5 (5.95) * 9.3 (2.67) 28.2 (4.16) 61.6 (5.55)

Guamanian or Chamorro * 22.6 (3.80) 34.1 (4.12) 42.5 (3.77) * 23.8 (3.62) 34.7 (4.20) 39.9 (3.59)

Other Pacific Islander2 * 24.3 (3.32) 30.9 (4.05) 42.9 (3.71) * 22.3 (2.84) 37.8 (3.72) 38.0 (3.41)

* Estimates are considered unreliable. Data preceded by an asterisk have a relative standard error (RSE) greater than 30% and less than or equal to 50% and 

should be used with caution. Data not shown have an RSE greater than 50%.

– Quantity zero.

†

 Not possible to calculate; no sample in cell in one or more age-adjustment categories.

1

Includes other races not shown separately.

2

Includes all other specific NHPI racial identities, such as Tongan, Fijian, and Marshallese, as well as general NHPI racial identities, such as Polynesian, 

Micronesian, Melanesian, and Pacific Islander. It also includes those who reported more than one Pacific Islander racial identity. It does not include those who 

indicated Native Hawaiian in addition to one or more Pacific Islander races. The racial identity Polynesian is considered Pacific Islander, not Native Hawaiian. 

3

Indicates at least one other federal race category was reported in addition to NHPI. 

4

Indicates no other federal race category was reported.

NOTES: Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (NHPI) persons together compose the NHPI population. Samoan, Guamanian or Chamorro, and Other Pacific 

Islander persons together compose the Pacific Islander population. The 3.4% of the NHPI population that is both Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander is included 

in data for NHPI total under All NHPI, Multiple-race NHPl, and Single-race NHPI but is excluded from all other categories. Analyses exclude the 3.6% of adults 

in NHIS and 2.7% of adults in NHPI NHIS with unknown height or weight. Age-adjusted estimates are adjusted using the projected 2000 U.S. population as the 

standard population and four age groups: 18–44, 45–64, 65–74, and 75 and over. NHIS is National Health Interview Survey.

SOURCES: NCHS, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander National Health Interview Survey, 2014, and National Health Interview Survey, 2014.
NATIONAL CENTER FOR HEALTH STATISTICS 16 Series 3, Number 40

● Among all NHPI adults aged 65 and over, the percentage 

who need help with personal care from other persons 

was 11.8%, which was higher than the percentage 

among all U.S. adults (6.6%), slightly more than double 

the percentage among white adults (5.8%), similar to 

the percentage among black (11.1%) and Asian (10.4%) 

adults, and lower than but not significantly different 

from AIAN adults (15.6%) (Figure 5, Table 3).

● Among multiple-race NHPI adults aged 65 and over, 

the percentage who need help with personal care from 

other persons was 11.5%, which was higher than but 

not significantly different from the percentages among 

all U.S. (6.6%) and white (5.8%) adults, similar to the 

percentages among black (11.1%) and Asian (10.4%) 

adults, and lower than but not significantly different 

from AIAN adults (15.6%).

● Among single-race NHPI adults aged 65 and over, the 

percentage who need help with personal care from other 

persons was 12.0%, which was slightly more than double 

the percentage among white adults (5.8%), higher than 

the percentage among all U.S. adults (6.6%), similar to 

the percentage among black adults (11.1%), higher than 

but not significantly different from Asian adults (10.4%), 

and lower than but not significantly different from AIAN 

adults (15.6%).

● The percentage of single-race NHPI adults aged 65 and 

over who need help with personal care from other 

persons (12.0%) was similar to the percentage among 

multiple-race NHPI adults (11.5%).

Personal Care Needs

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Figure 5. Age-sex-adjusted percentage of adults aged 65 and over who need help with personal care from 

other persons, by race: United States, 2014 
Series 3, Number 40 17 NATIONAL CENTER FOR HEALTH STATISTICS

Table 3. Crude and age-sex-adjusted percentages of adults aged 65 and over who need help with personal care from 

other persons, by race including Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander detailed race: United States, 2014

Data source and race Adults aged 65 and over who need help with personal care from others

Crude percent (standard error) Age-sex-adjusted percent (standard error)

2014 NHIS

U.S. total1 6.5 (0.27) 6.6 (0.27)

Single-race: 

White 5.8 (0.29) 5.8 (0.28)

Black or African American 11.2 (0.87) 11.1 (0.88)

American Indian or Alaska Native *11.6 (3.67) 15.6 (3.30)

Asian 9.3 (1.23) 10.4 (1.32)

2014 NHPI NHIS

All NHPI:

NHPI total 9.7 (1.59) 11.8 (1.90)

Native Hawaiian 10.5 (1.75) 11.8 (1.95)

Pacific Islander *8.6 (3.22) 12.9 (3.36)

Samoan * *17.7 (6.40)

Guamanian or Chamorro * *

Other Pacific Islander2 *7.2 (3.47) *9.0 (3.44)

Multiple-race NHPI3

:

NHPI total 8.9 (2.59) 11.5 (3.29)

Native Hawaiian *8.7 (2.61) 10.4 (2.86)

Pacific Islander * 9.6 (0.00)

Samoan * †

Guamanian or Chamorro – †

Other Pacific Islander2 – †

Single-race NHPI4

:

NHPI total 10.2 (2.30) 12.0 (2.40)

Native Hawaiian 13.1 (3.09) 13.6 (3.23)

Pacific Islander *7.8 (3.17) *10.8 (3.65)

Samoan * *17.1 (7.84)

Guamanian or Chamorro * *

Other Pacific Islander2 *7.4 (3.56) *9.1 (3.45)

* Estimates are considered unreliable. Data preceded by an asterisk have a relative standard error (RSE) greater than 30% and less than or equal to 50% and 

should be used with caution. Data not shown have an RSE greater than 50%. 

†

Not possible to calculate; no sample in cell in one or more age-adjustment categories.

– Quantity zero.

1

Includes other races not shown separately.

2Includes all other specific NHPI racial identities, such as Tongan, Fijian, and Marshallese, as well as general NHPI racial identities, such as Polynesian, 

Micronesian, Melanesian, and Pacific Islander. It also includes those who reported more than one Pacific Islander racial identity. It does not include those who 

indicated Native Hawaiian in addition to one or more Pacific Islander races. The racial identity Polynesian is considered Pacific Islander, not Native Hawaiian. 

3

Indicates at least one other federal race category was reported in addition to NHPI. 

4

Indicates no other federal race category was reported.

NOTES: Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (NHPI) persons together compose the NHPI population. Samoan, Guamanian or Chamorro, and Other Pacific 

Islander persons together compose the Pacific Islander population. The 3.4% of the NHPI population that is both Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander is included 

in data for NHPI total under All NHPI, Multiple-race NHPl, and Single-race NHPI but is excluded from all other categories. Age-sex-adjusted estimates are adjusted 

using the projected 2000 U.S. population as the standard population and three age groups: 65–74, 75–84, and 85 and over. NHIS is National Health Interview 

Survey.

SOURCES: NCHS, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander National Health Interview Survey, 2014, and National Health Interview Survey, 2014.
NATIONAL CENTER FOR HEALTH STATISTICS 18 Series 3, Number 40

● Among single-race NHPI adults, the percentage who 

experienced serious psychological distress during the 

past 30 days was 4.3%, similar to the percentages among 

all U.S. (3.1%), white (3.1%), and black (3.3%) adults; 

lower than but not significantly different from the 

percentage among AIAN adults (8.0%); and higher than 

the percentage among Asian adults (1.6%).

● The percentage of single-race NHPI adults who 

experienced serious psychological distress (4.3%) was 

similar to the percentage among multiple-race NHPI 

adults (3.8%).

● Among all NHPI adults, the percentage who experienced 

serious psychological distress during the past 30 days 

was 4.1%, similar to the percentages among all U.S. 

(3.1%), white (3.1%), and black (3.3%) adults; lower 

than the percentage among AIAN adults (8.0%); and 

higher than the percentage among Asian adults (1.6%) 

(Figure 6, Table 4).

● Among multiple-race NHPI adults, the percentage who 

experienced serious psychological distress during the 

past 30 days was 3.8%, similar to the percentages among 

all U.S. (3.1%), white (3.1%), and black (3.3%) adults; 

lower than the percentage among AIAN adults (8.0%); 

and higher than the percentage among Asian adults 

(1.6%).

Serious Psychological Distress

 

 

 

 

 

 

Figure 6. Age-sex-adjusted percentage of adults aged 18 and over who experienced serious psychological 

distress during the past 30 days, by race: United States, 2014 
Series 3, Number 40 19 NATIONAL CENTER FOR HEALTH STATISTICS

Table 4. Crude and age-sex-adjusted percentages of adults aged 18 and over who experienced serious psychological 

distress during the past 30 days, by race including Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander detailed race: United States, 

2014

Data source and race

Adults aged 18 and over who experienced serious psychological 

distress during past 30 days

Crude percent (standard error) Age-sex-adjusted percent (standard error)

2014 NHIS

U.S. total1 3.1 (0.12) 3.1 (0.12)

Single-race:

White 3.1 (0.14) 3.1 (0.14)

Black or African American 3.4 (0.35) 3.3 (0.33)

American Indian or Alaska Native 8.8 (2.28) 8.0 (1.88)

Asian 1.6 (0.28) 1.6 (0.29)

2014 NHPI NHIS

All NHPI:

NHPI total 4.1 (0.71) 4.1 (0.60)

Native Hawaiian 5.0 (1.12) 4.7 (0.97)

Pacific Islander 3.2 (0.68) 3.6 (0.69)

Samoan *3.7 (1.83) *4.2 (1.66)

Guamanian or Chamorro *1.5 (0.57) *2.1 (0.96)

Other Pacific Islander2 *4.0 (1.32) *4.0 (1.27)

Multiple-race NHPI3

:

NHPI total 3.8 (0.91) 3.8 (0.73)

Native Hawaiian 4.5 (1.15) 4.3 (0.87)

Pacific Islander * *

Samoan * *

Guamanian or Chamorro * *

Other Pacific Islander2 – –

Single-race NHPI4

:

NHPI total 4.4 (1.02) 4.3 (0.91)

 Native Hawaiian *5.9 (2.21) 6.7 (1.94)

 Pacific Islander 3.6 (0.82) 4.0 (0.81)

Samoan * *4.6 (2.07)

Guamanian or Chamorro *1.7 (0.77) *2.2 (1.10)

Other Pacific Islander2 *4.2 (1.39) *4.4 (1.35)

* Estimates are considered unreliable. Data preceded by an asterisk have a relative standard error (RSE) greater than 30% and less than or equal to 50% and 

should be used with caution. Data not shown have an RSE greater than 50%.

– Quantity zero.

1

Includes other races not shown separately.

2

Includes all other specific NHPI racial identities, such as Tongan, Fijian, and Marshallese, as well as general NHPI racial identities, such as Polynesian, 

Micronesian, Melanesian, and Pacific Islander. It also includes those who reported more than one Pacific Islander racial identity. It does not include those who 

indicated Native Hawaiian in addition to one or more Pacific Islander races. The racial identity Polynesian is considered Pacific Islander, not Native Hawaiian. 

3

Indicates at least one other federal race category was reported in addition to NHPI. 

4

Indicates no other federal race category was reported.

NOTES: Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (NHPI) persons together compose the NHPI population. Samoan, Guamanian or Chamorro, and Other Pacific 

Islander persons together compose the Pacific Islander population. The 3.4% of the NHPI population that is both Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander is included 

in data for NHPI total under All NHPI, Multiple-race NHPl, and Single-race NHPI but is excluded from all other categories. Analyses exclude the 3.6% of adults in 

NHIS and 2.9% of adults in NHPI NHIS with unknown serious psychological distress status. Age-sex-adjusted estimates are adjusted using the projected 2000 U.S. 

population as the standard population and five age groups: 18–24, 25–34, 35–44, 45–64, and 65 and over. NHIS is National Health Interview Survey.

SOURCES: NCHS, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander National Health Interview Survey, 2014, and National Health Interview Survey, 2014.
NATIONAL CENTER FOR HEALTH STATISTICS 20 Series 3, Number 40

● Among all NHPI adults, the percentage who had 

hypertension was 27.3%, which was similar to the 

percentage among AIAN adults (26.4%); higher than the 

percentages among all U.S. (24.5%), white (23.5%), and 

Asian (19.5%) adults; and lower than the percentage 

among black adults (33.1%) (Figure 7, Table 5).

● Among multiple-race NHPI adults, the percentage who 

had hypertension was 27.1%, which was similar to the 

percentage among AIAN adults (26.4%); higher than the 

percentages among all U.S. (24.5%), white (23.5%), and 

Asian (19.5%) adults; and lower than the percentage 

among black adults (33.1%).

● Among single-race NHPI adults, the percentage who 

had hypertension was 27.4%, which was similar to the 

percentage among AIAN adults (26.4%), higher than the 

percentages among white (23.5%) and Asian (19.5%) 

adults, higher than but not significantly different from 

all U.S. adults (24.5%), and lower than the percentage 

among black adults (33.1%).

● The percentage of single-race NHPI adults who had 

hypertension (27.4%) was similar to the percentage 

among multiple-race NHPI adults (27.1%).

Coronary Heart Disease, Angina, Myocardial Infarction, Hypertension, and 

Stroke

 

 

 

 

 

 

Figure 7. Age-adjusted percentage of adults aged 18 and over with diagnosed hypertension, by race: 

United States, 2014 
Series 3, Number 40 21 NATIONAL CENTER FOR HEALTH STATISTICS

● The percentage of Native Hawaiian adults who had 

hypertension (27.4%) was lower than but not significantly 

different from the percentages among all Pacific Islander 

(29.8%) and Guamanian or Chamorro (30.9%) adults, 

lower than the percentage among Samoan adults 

(38.1%), and higher than but not significantly different 

from the percentage among Other Pacific Islander adults 

(23.9%) (Figure 8, Table 5).

● Among Samoan adults, the percentage who had 

hypertension was 38.1%, which was higher than the 

percentages among Native Hawaiian (27.4%) and Other 

Pacific Islander (23.9%) adults, and higher than but 

not significantly different from the percentage among 

Guamanian or Chamorro adults (30.9%).

● The percentage of Guamanian or Chamorro adults 

with hypertension (30.9%) was higher than but not 

significantly different from the percentages among Other 

Pacific Islander (23.9%) and Native Hawaiian (27.4%) 

adults, and lower than but not significantly different 

from the percentage among Samoan adults (38.1%).

● The percentage of Other Pacific Islander adults with 

hypertension was 23.9%, which was lower than but 

not significantly different from the percentages among 

Native Hawaiian (27.4%) and Guamanian or Chamorro 

(30.9%) adults, and lower than the percentage among 

Samoan adults (38.1%). 

● The percentage of all U.S. adults who had hypertension 

(24.5%) was lower than the percentages among Native 

Hawaiian (27.4%), all Pacific Islander (29.8%), Samoan 

(38.1%), and Guamanian or Chamorro (30.9%) adults, 

and similar to the percentage among Other Pacific 

Islander adults (23.9%).

Coronary Heart Disease, Angina, Myocardial Infarction, Hypertension, and 

Stroke

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Figure 8. Age-adjusted percentage of adults aged 18 and over with diagnosed hypertension, by Native 

Hawaiian and Pacific Islander detailed race: United States, 2014 
NATIONAL CENTER FOR HEALTH STATISTICS 22 Series 3, Number 40

● Among all NHPI adults, the percentage with any heart 

disease was 10.8%, which was similar to the percentages 

among all U.S. (10.9%), white (11.1%), and black 

(10.3%) adults; lower than but not significantly different 

from the percentage among AIAN adults (13.7%); and 

higher than the percentage among Asian adults (6.0%) 

(Figure 9, Table 5).

● Among multiple-race NHPI adults, the percentage with 

any heart disease was 9.8%, which was similar to the 

percentages among all U.S. (10.9%), white (11.1%), and 

black (10.3%) adults; lower than but not significantly 

different from the percentage among AIAN adults 

(13.7%); and higher than the percentage among Asian 

adults (6.0%).

● Among single-race NHPI adults, the percentage with 

any heart disease was 11.8%, which was similar to the 

percentages among all U.S. (10.9%), white (11.1%), and 

black (10.3%) adults; lower than but not significantly 

different from the percentage among AIAN adults 

(13.7%); and higher than the percentage among Asian 

adults (6.0%).

● The percentage of single-race NHPI adults with any heart 

disease (11.8%) was similar to the percentage among 

multiple-race NHPI adults (9.8%).

Coronary Heart Disease, Angina, Myocardial Infarction, Hypertension, and 

Stroke

 

 11.1 

 

 

 

 

Figure 9. Age-adjusted percentage of adults aged 18 and over with any diagnosed heart disease, by race: 

United States, 2014 
Series 3, Number 40 23 NATIONAL CENTER FOR HEALTH STATISTICS

● The percentage of Native Hawaiian adults who had any 

heart disease (11.3%) was similar to the percentage 

among all Pacific Islander adults (10.1%) (Figure 10, 

Table 5).

● The percentage of all U.S. adults who had any heart 

disease (10.9%) was similar to the percentages among 

Native Hawaiian (11.3%) and all Pacific Islander (10.1%) 

adults.

Coronary Heart Disease, Angina, Myocardial Infarction, Hypertension, and 

Stroke

 

 

Figure 10. Age-adjusted percentage of adults aged 18 and over with any diagnosed heart disease, by Native 

Hawaiian and Pacific Islander detailed race: United States, 2014 
NATIONAL CENTER FOR HEALTH STATISTICS 24 Series 3, Number 40 Table 5. Crude and age-adjusted percentages of adults aged 18 and over with selected diagnosed circulatory diseases and conditio

Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander detailed race: United States, 2014 Data source and race Crude percent (standard error) Age-adjusted percent (s

Any heart disease Coronary heart disease Angina Myocardial infarction Hypertension Stroke Any heart disease Coronary heart disease Angina My

inf

2014 NHIS U.S. total1 10.9 (0.21) 6.0 (0.17) 1.9 (0.10) 3.2 (0.12) 26.4 (0.33) 2.6 (0.11) 10.9 (0.21) 5.5 (0.16) 1.8 (0.10) 2

Single-race: White 11.1 (0.24) 6.4 (0.20) 2.0 (0.12) 3.4 (0.14) 26.1 (0.37) 2.5 (0.12) 11.1 (0.24) 5.6 (0.18) 1.8 (0.11) 3

Black or African American 10.3 (0.53) 5.2 (0.40) 1.6 (0.29) 2.8 (0.33) 32.5 (0.84) 3.8 (0.34) 10.3 (0.53) 5.5 (0.41) 1.7 (0.29) 3

American Indian or Alaska Native 13.7 (2.80) 6.4 (1.57) *3.1 (1.13) *3.9 (1.20) 25.9 (3.61) *3.1 (0.95) 13.7 (2.80) 6.0 (1.44) *2.8 (0.98) 3

Asian 6.0 (0.65) 2.8 (0.41) 0.8 (0.21) 1.4 (0.31) 17.9 (1.06) 1.2 (0.27) 6.0 (0.65) 3.3 (0.47) 1.0 (0.26) 1

2014 NHPI NHIS All NHPI: NHPI total 10.8 (0.86) 4.2 (0.44) 1.3 (0.22) 2.1 (0.36) 22.5 (1.03) 2.5 (0.43) 10.8 (0.86) 6.2 (0.57) 2.3 (0.41) 3

Native Hawaiian 11.3 (0.89) 5.3 (0.55) 1.7 (0.35) 2.2 (0.32) 25.0 (1.35) 2.7 (0.60) 11.3 (0.89) 6.5 (0.65) 2.3 (0.47) 2

Pacific Islander 10.1 (1.93) 3.0 (0.60) *0.7 (0.22) *2.1 (0.66) 20.0 (1.52) 2.4 (0.64) 10.1 (1.93) 6.6 (1.18) 2.4 (0.64) 4

Samoan 13.6 (1.79) *3.0 (0.97) * *2.3 (0.70) 29.6 (3.96) *2.7 (1.10) 13.6 (1.79) *7.7 (2.36) * 5

Guamanian or Chamorro 10.3 (2.63) 5.2 (1.49) * *3.6 (1.78) 22.7 (2.72) *3.7 (1.69) 10.3 (2.63) 7.9 (1.93) *1.7 (0.67) *5

Other Pacific Islander2 *9.3 (3.65) *1.5 (0.47) * *1.0 (0.44) 12.2 (2.71) * *9.3 (3.65) * * 

Multiple-race NHPI3

:

NHPI total 9.8 (1.03) 4.2 (0.65) 1.2 (0.32) 1.9 (0.32) 23.2 (1.22) 2.9 (0.65) 9.8 (1.03) 6.2 (0.91) 2.1 (0.58) 2

Native Hawaiian 10.1 (1.14) 4.9 (0.79) 1.5 (0.40) 2.2 (0.40) 25.7 (1.62) 3.3 (0.78) 10.1 (1.14) 6.3 (0.99) 2.2 (0.59) 2

Pacific Islander *6.5 (2.00) * – * *14.7 (4.75) * *6.5 (2.00) *3.7 (1.40) – 

Samoan † * * * * * † † † 

Guamanian or Chamorro † * * * *9.4 (3.86) – † † † 

Other Pacific Islander2 † – – – *20.8 (10.26) – † † † 

Single-race NHPI4

:

NHPI total 11.8 (1.50) 4.2 (0.61) 1.3 (0.34) 2.2 (0.56) 21.9 (1.55) 2.2 (0.52) 11.8 (1.50) 6.2 (0.86) 2.4 (0.60) 3

Native Hawaiian 13.5 (1.64) 6.0 (1.08) *2.2 (0.78) 2.1 (0.50) 23.6 (2.93) *1.5 (0.55) 13.5 (1.64) 6.9 (1.18) *2.7 (0.89) 2

Pacific Islander 10.2 (2.08) 3.3 (0.70) *0.8 (0.26) *2.4 (0.77) 21.1 (2.09) 2.7 (0.78) 10.2 (2.08) 6.6 (1.21) 2.5 (0.64) 5

Samoan 13.4 (1.76) *3.7 (1.19) * 2.8 (0.83) 33.2 (3.77) *2.8 (1.29) 13.4 (1.76) *7.7 (2.39) * 5

Guamanian or Chamorro *11.1 (3.48) *6.4 (2.00) * * 27.5 (3.39) *5.1 (2.29) *11.1 (3.48) 7.9 (2.05) *1.8 (0.71) *6

Other Pacific Islander2 *9.3 (3.79) *1.6 (0.49) * *1.0 (0.46) 11.8 (2.93) * *9.3 (3.79) * * 

* Estimates are considered unreliable. Data preceded by an asterisk have a relative standard error (RSE) greater than 30% and less than or equal to 50% and should be used with cagreater than 50%.– Quantity zero.† Not possible to calculate; no sample in cell in one or more age-adjustment categories.1Includes other races not shown separately.2Includes all other specific NHPI racial identities, such as Tongan, Fijian, and Marshallese, as well as general NHPI racial identities, such as Polynesian, Micronesian, Melanesian, an

who reported more than one Pacific Islander racial identity. It does not include those who indicated Native Hawaiian in addition to one or more Pacific Islander races. The racial identitIslander, not Native Hawaiian. 

3Indicates at least one other federal race category was reported in addition to NHPI. 4Indicates no other federal race category was reported.

NOTES: Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (NHPI) persons together compose the NHPI population. Samoan, Guamanian or Chamorro, and Other Pacific Islander persons together coThe 3.4% of the NHPI population that is both Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander is included in data for NHPI total under All NHPI, Multiple-race NHPl, and Single-race NHPI but is excluadjusted estimates are adjusted using the projected 2000 U.S. population as the standard population and three age groups (years): 17 and under, 18–64, and 65 and over. NHIS is NationSOURCES: NCHS, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander National Health Interview Survey, 2014, and National Health Interview Survey, 2014.
Series 3, Number 40 25 NATIONAL CENTER FOR HEALTH STATISTICS

● Among all NHPI adults, the percentage who ever 

had asthma was 19.6%, which was higher than the 

percentages among all U.S. (12.9%), white (12.7%), 

black (15.0%), AIAN (14.2%), and Asian (9.2%) adults

(Figure 11, Table 6).

● Among multiple-race NHPI adults, the percentage who 

ever had asthma was 22.4%, which was higher than the 

percentages among all U.S. (12.9%), white (12.7%), black 

(15.0%), AIAN (14.2%), and Asian (9.2%) adults.

● Among single-race NHPI adults, the percentage who 

ever had asthma was 17.4%, which was higher than the 

percentages among all U.S. (12.9%), white (12.7%), and 

Asian (9.2%) adults, and higher than but not significantly 

different from black (15.0%) and AIAN (14.2%) adults.

● The percentage of single-race NHPI adults who ever had 

asthma (17.4%) was lower than the percentage among 

multiple-race NHPI adults (22.4%).

Asthma, Hay Fever, and Sinusitis

 

19.6 

 12.7 

 

 

Figure 11. Age-adjusted percentage of adults aged 18 and over who ever had diagnosed asthma, by race: 

United States, 2014 
NATIONAL CENTER FOR HEALTH STATISTICS 26 Series 3, Number 40

● The percentage of Native Hawaiian adults who ever had 

asthma (23.8%) was higher than the percentage among 

all Pacific Islander adults (14.7%) (Figure 12, Table 6).

● The percentage of all U.S. adults who ever had asthma 

(12.9%) was lower than the percentage among Native 

Hawaiian adults (23.8%), and lower than but not 

significantly different from the percentage among all 

Pacific Islander adults (14.7%).

Asthma, Hay Fever, and Sinusitis

 

 

 

 

Figure 12. Age-adjusted percentage of adults aged 18 and over who ever had diagnosed asthma, by Native 

Hawaiian and Pacific Islander detailed race: United States, 2014 
Series 3, Number 40 27 NATIONAL CENTER FOR HEALTH STATISTICS

● Among all NHPI adults, the percentage who still had 

asthma was 9.8%, which was similar to the percentages 

among black (8.6%) and AIAN (10.4%) adults, and higher 

than the percentages among all U.S. (7.4%), white (7.3%), 

and Asian (4.9%) adults (Figure 13, Table 6).

● Among multiple-race NHPI adults, the percentage who 

still had asthma was 12.2%, which was higher than the 

percentages among all U.S. (7.4%), white (7.3%), black 

(8.6%), and Asian (4.9%) adults, and higher than but not 

significantly different from the percentage among AIAN 

adults (10.4%).

● Among single-race NHPI adults, the percentage who 

still had asthma was 8.1%, which was similar to the 

percentages among all U.S. (7.4%), white (7.3%), and 

black (8.6%) adults; higher than the percentage among 

Asian adults (4.9%); and lower than but not significantly 

different from the percentage among AIAN adults 

(10.4%).

● The percentage of single-race NHPI adults who still had 

asthma (8.1%) was lower than the percentage among 

multiple-race NHPI adults (12.2%).

Asthma, Hay Fever, and Sinusitis

 

9.8 12.2

8.1 8.6 

 

 

Figure 13. Age-adjusted percentage of adults aged 18 and over who still have diagnosed asthma, by race: 

United States, 2014 
NATIONAL CENTER FOR HEALTH STATISTICS 28 Series 3, Number 40

● The percentage of Native Hawaiian adults who still had 

asthma (13.3%) was higher than the percentage among 

all Pacific Islander adults (5.8%) (Figure 14, Table 6).

● The percentage of all U.S. adults who still had asthma 

(7.4%) was lower than the percentage among Native 

Hawaiian adults (13.3%), and higher than but not 

significantly different from the percentage among all 

Pacific Islander adults (5.8%).

Asthma, Hay Fever, and Sinusitis

 

5.8

 

 

Figure 14. Age-adjusted percentage of adults aged 18 and over who still have diagnosed asthma, by Native 

Hawaiian and Pacific Islander detailed race: United States, 2014 
Series 3, Number 40 29 NATIONAL CENTER FOR HEALTH STATISTICS

Table 6. Crude and age-adjusted percentages of adults aged 18 and over with selected diagnosed respiratory 

diseases, by race including Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander detailed race: United States, 2014

Data source and race

Ever had 

asthma

Still has 

asthma

Hay fever 

in past 

12 months

Sinusitis 

in past 

12 months

Ever had 

asthma

Still has 

asthma

Hay fever 

in past 

12 months

Sinusitis 

in past 

12 months

Crude percent (standard error) Age-adjusted percent (standard error)

2014 NHIS

U.S. total1 12.8 (0.26) 7.4 (0.20) 8.0 (0.22) 12.3 (0.25) 12.9 (0.27) 7.4 (0.20) 7.7 (0.22) 11.9 (0.25)

Single-race: 

White 12.5 (0.30) 7.3 (0.23) 8.3 (0.27) 12.7 (0.28) 12.7 (0.31) 7.3 (0.24) 8.0 (0.26) 12.2 (0.28)

Black or African American 15.1 (0.71) 8.7 (0.53) 6.2 (0.44) 12.2 (0.60) 15.0 (0.69) 8.6 (0.53) 6.0 (0.42) 12.1 (0.59)

American Indian or Alaska 

 Native 15.0 (2.59) 11.2 (2.31) 8.5 (2.07) 10.9 (2.19) 14.2 (2.43) 10.4 (2.11) 8.1 (1.93) 10.3 (1.95)

Asian 8.9 (0.78) 4.5 (0.58) 5.7 (0.60) 6.5 (0.77) 9.2 (0.79) 4.9 (0.61) 5.8 (0.60) 6.6 (0.77)

2014 NHPI NHIS

All NHPI:

NHPI total 20.0 (1.19) 9.6 (0.84) 6.4 (0.67) 8.9 (0.63) 19.6 (1.15) 9.8 (0.85) 6.7 (0.65) 9.2 (0.60)

Native Hawaiian 24.4 (1.46) 13.4 (1.28) 7.1 (1.03) 9.5 (0.94) 23.8 (1.43) 13.3 (1.24) 7.2 (1.02) 9.6 (0.87)

Pacific Islander 14.3 (1.43) 4.5 (0.76) 5.6 (0.98) 7.6 (0.91) 14.7 (1.62) 5.8 (1.36) 6.1 (0.95) 8.0 (0.97)

Samoan 14.5 (3.38) *2.5 (0.99) 7.4 (1.52) 9.0 (2.31) 15.0 (3.63) *4.5 (1.79) 7.5 (1.28) 9.1 (2.10)

Guamanian or Chamorro *19.3 (5.98) 5.7 (1.27) *4.8 (1.52) 10.3 (2.02) 18.1 (5.08) 5.3 (1.29) *5.5 (1.88) 10.2 (2.20)

Other Pacific Islander2 10.9 (2.64) 4.9 (1.18) *5.0 (1.89) 4.9 (0.85) 14.9 (4.24) *10.0 (3.44) *4.9 (1.60) 5.7 (1.20)

Multiple-race NHPI3

:

NHPI total 23.2 (1.50) 12.4 (1.55) 6.6 (1.01) 9.4 (1.18) 22.4 (1.40) 12.2 (1.45) 6.9 (1.06) 9.5 (1.06)

Native Hawaiian 26.2 (1.81) 14.1 (1.74) 6.7 (1.20) 8.3 (1.12) 25.3 (1.79) 13.8 (1.68) 6.8 (1.19) 8.4 (1.02)

Pacific Islander 10.3 (1.88) *3.8 (1.45) 7.8 (2.20) 11.9 (2.78) 13.8 (3.24) * 9.4 (2.44) 12.9 (1.74)

Samoan *14.0 (5.14) * *8.8 (4.08) * † † † †

Guamanian or Chamorro *8.5 (3.83) * *6.8 (3.38) 18.0 (5.03) † † † †

Other Pacific Islander2 * * * * † † † †

Single-race NHPI4

:

NHPI total 17.3 (1.55) 7.2 (0.93) 6.2 (0.64) 8.5 (0.92) 17.4 (1.58) 8.1 (0.98) 6.5 (0.58) 8.9 (0.91)

Native Hawaiian 20.9 (2.60) 12.0 (2.22) 7.8 (1.92) 11.9 (2.22) 20.8 (2.56) 12.2 (2.07) 8.0 (1.95) 11.9 (2.10)

Pacific Islander 15.1 (1.71) 4.6 (0.87) 5.2 (1.04) 6.7 (1.09) 15.3 (1.91) 5.9 (1.46) 5.7 (0.98) 7.1 (1.11)

Samoan 14.6 (3.72) *2.6 (1.13) 7.0 (1.16) 10.0 (2.88) 15.0 (3.96) *4.2 (1.78) 6.8 (0.87) 9.3 (2.20)

Guamanian or Chamorro *23.3 (8.06) *6.0 (1.94) *4.1 (1.38) *7.4 (2.36) *22.6 (7.63) *5.9 (2.01) *4.8 (1.60) 7.3 (2.06)

Other Pacific Islander2 11.2 (2.74) 4.9 (1.20) *4.9 (2.00) 4.7 (0.94) 15.2 (4.35) *10.0 (3.48) *4.7 (1.70) 5.5 (1.19)

* Estimates are considered unreliable. Data preceded by an asterisk have a relative standard error (RSE) greater than 30% and less than or equal to 50% and 

should be used with caution. Data not shown have an RSE greater than 50%.

†

 Not possible to calculate; no sample in cell in one or more age-adjustment categories.

1

Includes other races not shown separately.

2

Includes all other specific NHPI racial identities, such as Tongan, Fijian, and Marshallese, as well as general NHPI racial identities, such as Polynesian, 

Micronesian, Melanesian, and Pacific Islander. It also includes those who reported more than one Pacific Islander racial identity. It does not include those who 

indicated Native Hawaiian in addition to one or more Pacific Islander races. The racial identity Polynesian is considered Pacific Islander, not Native Hawaiian. 

3

Indicates at least one other federal race category was reported in addition to NHPI. 

4

Indicates no other federal race category was reported.

NOTES: Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (NHPI) persons together compose the NHPI population. Samoan, Guamanian or Chamorro, and Other Pacific 

Islander persons together compose the Pacific Islander population. The 3.4% of the NHPI population that is both Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander is included 

in data for NHPI total under All NHPI, Multiple-race NHPl, and Single-race NHPI but is excluded from all other categories. Age-adjusted estimates are adjusted 

using the projected 2000 U.S. population as the standard population and four age groups: 18–44, 45–64, 65–74, and 75 and over. NHIS is National Health Interview 

Survey.

SOURCES: NCHS, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander National Health Interview Survey, 2014, and National Health Interview Survey, 2014.
NATIONAL CENTER FOR HEALTH STATISTICS 30 Series 3, Number 40

● Among all NHPI children, the percentage who ever had 

asthma was 17.1%, higher than the percentages among 

all U.S. (13.5%), white (12.7%), and Asian (9.6%) children; 

higher than but not significantly different from AIAN 

children (15.0%); and similar to black children (18.4%) 

(Figure 15, Table 7).

● Among multiple-race NHPI children, the percentage who 

ever had asthma was 18.9%, higher than the percentages 

among all U.S. (13.5%), white (12.7%), and Asian (9.6%) 

children; higher than but not significantly different from 

AIAN children (15.0%); and similar to black children 

(18.4%).

● Among single-race NHPI children, the percentage 

who ever had asthma was 14.6%, higher than but not 

significantly different from white (12.7%) and Asian 

(9.6%) children, similar to the percentages among all U.S. 

(13.5%) and AIAN (15.0%) children, and lower than but 

not significantly different from black children (18.4%).

● The percentage of single-race NHPI children who ever 

had asthma (14.6%) was lower than the percentage 

among multiple-race NHPI children (18.9%).

Child Asthma

 

17.1 18.9

 12.7

 

 

 

 

Figure 15. Age-adjusted percentage of children under age 18 years who ever had diagnosed asthma, by 

race: United States, 2014 
Series 3, Number 40 31 NATIONAL CENTER FOR HEALTH STATISTICS

● The percentage of Native Hawaiian children who ever 

had asthma was 24.3%, higher than the percentage 

among all Pacific Islander children (9.5%) (Figure 16,

Table 7).

● The percentage of all U.S. children who ever had asthma 

was 13.5%, lower than the percentage among Native 

Hawaiian children (24.3%), and higher than but not 

significantly different from the percentage among all 

Pacific Islander children (9.5%).

Child Asthma

 

 

 

 

 

Figure 16. Age-adjusted percentage of children under age 18 years who ever had diagnosed asthma, by 

Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander detailed race: United States, 2014 
NATIONAL CENTER FOR HEALTH STATISTICS 32 Series 3, Number 40

● Among all NHPI children, the percentage who still 

had asthma was 11.2%, which was higher than the 

percentages among all U.S. (8.6%), white (7.9%), 

and Asian (5.5%) children; similar to the percentage 

among AIAN children (10.0%); and lower than but not 

significantly different from the percentage among black 

children (13.0%) (Figure 17, Table 7).

● Among multiple-race NHPI children, the percentage who 

still had asthma was 13.3%, which was higher than the 

percentages among all U.S. (8.6%), white (7.9%), and 

Asian (5.5%) children; higher than but not significantly 

different from the percentage among AIAN children 

(10.0%); and similar to the percentage among black 

children (13.0%).

● Among single-race NHPI children, the percentage who 

still had asthma was 8.3%, which was higher than but 

not significantly different from the percentage among 

Asian children (5.5%), similar to the percentages among 

all U.S. (8.6%) and white (7.9%) children, lower than the 

percentage among black children (13.0%), and lower 

than but not significantly different from the percentage 

among AIAN children (10.0%).

● The percentage of single-race NHPI children who still had 

asthma (8.3%) was lower than the percentage among 

multiple-race NHPI children (13.3%).

Child Asthma

 

11.2 

 8.6 7.9

 

 

 

 

Figure 17. Age-adjusted percentage of children under age 18 years who still have diagnosed asthma, 

by race: United States, 2014 
Series 3, Number 40 33 NATIONAL CENTER FOR HEALTH STATISTICS

● The percentage of Native Hawaiian children who still had 

asthma (16.7%) was higher than the percentage of all 

Pacific Islander children (5.2%) (Figure 18, Table 7).

● The percentage of all U.S. children who still had asthma 

(8.6%) was lower than the percentage of Native Hawaiian 

children (16.7%), and higher than the percentage of all 

Pacific Islander children (5.2%).

Child Asthma

 

 

Figure 18. Age-adjusted percentage of children under age 18 years who still have diagnosed asthma, by 

Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander detailed race: United States, 2014 
NATIONAL CENTER FOR HEALTH STATISTICS 34 Series 3, Number 40

Table 7. Crude and age-adjusted percentages of children under age 18 years ever having or still having diagnosed 

asthma, by race including Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander detailed race: United States, 2014

Data source and race Ever told had asthma Still have asthma Ever told had asthma Still have asthma

Crude percent (standard error) Age-adjusted percent (standard error)

2014 NHIS

U.S. total1 13.5 (0.42) 8.6 (0.34) 13.5 (0.41) 8.6 (0.34)

Single-race:

White 12.7 (0.48) 7.9 (0.40) 12.7 (0.47) 7.9 (0.40)

Black or African American 18.4 (1.11) 13.0 (0.98) 18.4 (1.11) 13.0 (0.99)

American Indian or Alaska Native 15.3 (3.03) 10.2 (2.52) 15.0 (3.00) 10.0 (2.47)

Asian 9.4 (1.34) 5.3 (1.09) 9.6 (1.37) 5.5 (1.11)

2014 NHPI NHIS

All NHPI:

NHPI total 16.5 (1.13) 11.0 (1.03) 17.1 (1.23) 11.2 (1.06)

Native Hawaiian 24.0 (1.44) 16.7 (1.45) 24.3 (1.50) 16.7 (1.44)

Pacific Islander 8.7 (1.77) 4.9 (1.27) 9.5 (2.06) 5.2 (1.37)

Samoan 10.9 (2.85) *6.1 (2.24) 11.1 (2.89) *6.1 (2.20)

Guamanian or Chamorro *5.8 (1.93) *3.8 (1.60) *6.2 (2.00) *3.9 (1.53)

Other Pacific Islander2 *8.7 (2.83) *4.7 (2.16) *10.3 (3.39) *5.5 (2.41)

Multiple-race NHPI3

:

NHPI total 18.0 (1.71) 13.0 (1.57) 18.9 (1.70) 13.3 (1.56)

Native Hawaiian 24.0 (1.59) 16.8 (1.77) 24.6 (1.66) 17.0 (1.72)

Pacific Islander *7.3 (2.53) *5.8 (2.10) *8.3 (2.90) *6.3 (2.14)

Samoan *10.2 (4.41) *7.5 (3.59) *9.6 (4.09) *6.6 (2.65)

Guamanian or Chamorro * * * *

Other Pacific Islander2 *5.8 (2.69) *5.3 (2.66) * *

Single-race NHPI4

:

NHPI total 14.2 (2.41) 8.2 (1.80) 14.6 (2.51) 8.3 (1.79)

Native Hawaiian 24.1 (4.13) 16.6 (3.57) 23.1 (3.70) 15.5 (2.96)

Pacific Islander 9.7 (2.50) *4.3 (2.00) 10.1 (2.74) *4.5 (2.04)

Samoan 11.5 (3.28) * 11.9 (3.55) *

Guamanian or Chamorro *6.9 (3.01) *2.6 (1.01) *6.1 (2.73) *2.2 (1.02)

Other Pacific Islander2 *9.5 (3.49) * *10.6 (3.69) *

* Estimates are considered unreliable. Data preceded by an asterisk have a relative standard error (RSE) greater than 30% and less than or equal to 50% and 

should be used with caution. Data not shown have an RSE greater than 50%.

1

Includes other races not shown separately.

2

Includes all other specific NHPI racial identities, such as Tongan, Fijian, and Marshallese, as well as general NHPI racial identities, such as Polynesian, 

Micronesian, Melanesian, and Pacific Islander. It also includes those who reported more than one Pacific Islander racial identity. It does not include those who 

indicated Native Hawaiian in addition to one or more Pacific Islander races. The racial identity Polynesian is considered Pacific Islander, not Native Hawaiian. 

3

Indicates at least one other federal race category was reported in addition to NHPI. 

4

Indicates no other federal race category was reported.

NOTES: Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (NHPI) persons together compose the NHPI population. Samoan, Guamanian or Chamorro, and Other Pacific 

Islander persons together compose the Pacific Islander population. The 3.4% of the NHPI population that is both Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander is included in 

data for NHPI total under All NHPI, Multiple-race NHPl, and Single-race NHPI but is excluded from all other categories. Age-adjusted estimates are adjusted using 

the projected 2000 U.S. population as the standard population and three age groups (years): 0–4, 5–11, and 12–17. NHIS is National Health Interview Survey.

SOURCES: NCHS, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander National Health Interview Survey, 2014, and National Health Interview Survey, 2014.
Series 3, Number 40 35 NATIONAL CENTER FOR HEALTH STATISTICS

● Among all NHPI adults, the percentage with any cancer 

was 5.7%, which was similar to the percentage among 

AIAN (6.4%) and black (4.5%) adults, higher than the 

percentage among Asian adults (3.3%), and lower than 

the percentages among all U.S. (7.9%) and white (8.6%) 

adults (Figure 19, Table 8).

● Among multiple-race NHPI adults, the percentage 

with any cancer was 5.4%, which was similar to the 

percentages among AIAN (6.4%) and black (4.5%) adults, 

higher than the percentage among Asian adults (3.3%), 

and lower than the percentages among all U.S. (7.9%) 

and white (8.6%) adults.

● Among single-race NHPI adults, the percentage with any 

cancer was 6.1%, which was similar to the percentage 

among AIAN adults (6.4%), higher than the percentage 

among Asian adults (3.3%), higher than but significantly 

different from the percentage among black adults (4.5%), 

lower than the percentage among white adults (8.6%), 

and lower than but not significantly different from all 

U.S. adults (7.9%).

● The percentage of single-race NHPI adults with any 

cancer (6.1%) was similar to the percentage among 

multiple-race NHPI adults (5.4%).

Cancer

 

 

5.7 6.1

7.9 8.6

 

Figure 19. Age-adjusted percentage of adults aged 18 and over with any diagnosed cancer, by race: 

United States, 2014 
NATIONAL CENTER FOR HEALTH STATISTICS 36 Series 3, Number 40

● The percentage of Native Hawaiian adults with any 

cancer (6.3%) was similar to the percentage among all 

Pacific Islander adults (5.2%) (Figure 20, Table 8).

● The percentage of all U.S. adults with any cancer (7.9%) 

was higher than but not significantly different from 

the percentages among Native Hawaiian (6.3%) and all 

Pacific Islander (5.2%) adults.

Cancer

 

 

Figure 20. Age-adjusted percentage of adults aged 18 and over with any diagnosed cancer, by Native 

Hawaiian and Pacific Islander detailed race: United States, 2014 
Series 3, Number 40 37 NATIONAL CENTER FOR HEALTH STATISTICS Table 8. Crude and age-adjusted percentages of adults aged 18 and over with selected diagnosed cancers, by race including Native 

Islander detailed race: United States, 2014 Data source and race Any cancer Type of cancer Ty

Breast Cervical Prostate Colorectal Any cancer Breast Cervica

Crude percent (standard error) Age-adjusted percent (

2014 NHIS U.S. total1 8.5 (0.21) 1.4 (0.08) 1.0 (0.10) 2.0 (0.14) 0.5 (0.05) 7.9 (0.18) 1.3 (0.07) 1.0 (0.10

Single-race: White 9.6 (0.25) 1.5 (0.09) 1.1 (0.12) 2.1 (0.17) 0.5 (0.06) 8.6 (0.22) 1.3 (0.08) 1.0 (0.12

Black or African American 4.1 (0.33) 0.8 (0.14) 0.6 (0.17) 2.4 (0.37) 0.5 (0.12) 4.5 (0.35) 0.9 (0.15) 0.6 (0.16

American Indian or Alaska Native 6.4 (1.63) *1.3 (0.64) * * * 6.4 (1.62) *1.1 (0.53) Asian 2.9 (0.42) 1.0 (0.22) * *0.4 (0.18) *0.5 (0.15) 3.3 (0.47) 1.1 (0.24) 

2014 NHPI NHIS All NHPI: NHPI total 4.2 (0.54) 1.2 (0.22) *0.6 (0.21) *0.7 (0.25) 0.5 (0.15) 5.7 (0.69) 1.8 (0.37) *0.6 (0.24

Native Hawaiian 5.4 (0.72) 1.6 (0.35) *0.9 (0.36) *1.2 (0.46) *0.5 (0.23) 6.3 (0.89) 1.8 (0.45) *0.9 (0.36Pacific Islander 2.8 (0.84) 0.8 (0.22) – § *0.5 (0.18) 5.2 (1.43) *2.8 (1.13) 

Samoan * * – – * *8.3 (3.20) *5.0 (2.39) 

Guamanian or Chamorro 3.3 (0.88) *0.8 (0.40) – § *1.7 (0.59) *5.3 (1.62) * 

Other Pacific Islander2 *1.2 (0.49) * – – – * * 

Multiple-race NHPI3

:

NHPI total 4.6 (0.67) 1.0 (0.27) *0.8 (0.38) * * 5.4 (0.75) *1.3 (0.39) *0.9 (0.43

Native Hawaiian 4.9 (0.73) 1.0 (0.29) * * *0.3 (0.08) 5.3 (0.83) *1.2 (0.39) Pacific Islander *4.2 (1.96) * – – * *6.6 (2.10) * 

Samoan * * – – – † † Guamanian or Chamorro * * – – * † † Other Pacific Islander2 * * – – – † † 

Single-race NHPI4

:

NHPI total 3.9 (0.75) 1.4 (0.37) * * *0.6 (0.26) 6.1 (1.02) 2.3 (0.64) *0.4 (0.19

Native Hawaiian 6.3 (1.39) *2.5 (0.83) * * * 7.6 (1.44) *2.9 (0.97) Pacific Islander *2.6 (0.99) *0.7 (0.33) – § * *4.7 (1.57) *2.7 (1.23) 

Samoan * * – – * *8.5 (3.56) § 

Guamanian or Chamorro *2.8 (1.16) * – § * *4.4 (1.79) * 

Other Pacific Islander2 * * – – – * * 

* Estimates are considered unreliable. Data preceded by an asterisk have a relative standard error (RSE) greater than 30% and less than or equal to 50% and should be used with cagreater than 50%.– Quantity zero. § Data suppressed to comply with confidentiality requirements. † Not possible to calculate; no sample in cell in one or more age-adjustment categories. 1Includes other races not shown separately.2Includes all other specific NHPI racial identities, such as Tongan, Fijian, and Marshallese, as well as general NHPI racial identities, such as Polynesian, Micronesian, Melanesian, an

who reported more than one Pacific Islander racial identity. It does not include those who indicated Native Hawaiian in addition to one or more Pacific Islander races. The racial identitIslander, not Native Hawaiian. 

3Indicates at least one other federal race category was reported in addition to NHPI. 4Indicates no other federal race category was reported.

NOTES: Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (NHPI) persons together compose the NHPI population. Samoan, Guamanian or Chamorro, and Other Pacific Islander persons togethepopulation. The 3.4% of the NHPI population that is both Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander is included in data for NHPI total under All NHPI, Multiple-race NHPl, and Single-race Ncategories. Age-adjusted estimates are adjusted using the projected 2000 U.S. population as the standard population and four age groups: 18–44, 45–64, 65–74, and 75 and over. NHSOURCES: NCHS, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander National Health Interview Survey, 2014, and National Health Interview Survey, 2014.
NATIONAL CENTER FOR HEALTH STATISTICS 38 Series 3, Number 40

● Among all NHPI adults, the percentage with ulcers was 

5.9%, which was similar to the percentages among 

all U.S. (6.4%), white (6.7%), and black (5.2%) adults; 

higher than the percentage among Asian adults (3.5%); 

and lower than but not significantly different from 

the percentage among AIAN adults (9.8%) (Figure 21,

Table 9).

● Among multiple-race NHPI adults, the percentage with 

ulcers was 5.2%, which was similar to the percentages 

among all U.S. (6.4%) and black (5.2%) adults, higher 

than but not significantly different from the percentage 

among Asian adults (3.5%), and lower than but not 

significantly different from white (6.7%) and AIAN (9.8%) 

adults.

● Among single-race NHPI adults, the percentage with 

ulcers was 6.5%, which was similar to the percentages 

among all U.S. (6.4%), white (6.7%), and black (5.2%) 

adults; higher than the percentage among Asian adults 

(3.5%); and lower than but not significantly different 

from AIAN adults (9.8%).

● The percentage of single-race NHPI adults with ulcers 

(6.5%) was similar to the percentage among multiplerace NHPI adults (5.2%).

Diabetes, Ulcers, Kidney Disease, Liver Disease, Arthritis, and 

Chronic Joint Problems

 

5.9 5.2 6.5 6.7 5.2 9.8 

 

Figure 21. Age-adjusted percentage of adults aged 18 and over with diagnosed ulcers, by race: 

United States, 2014 
Series 3, Number 40 39 NATIONAL CENTER FOR HEALTH STATISTICS

● The percentage of Native Hawaiian adults with ulcers 

(6.5%) was similar to the percentage among all Pacific 

Islander adults (5.2%) (Figure 22, Table 9).

● The percentage of all U.S. adults with ulcers (6.4%) was 

similar to the percentages among Native Hawaiian (6.5%) 

and all Pacific Islander (5.2%) adults.

Diabetes, Ulcers, Kidney Disease, Liver Disease, Arthritis, and 

Chronic Joint Problems

 

 

 

 

 

 

Figure 22. Age-adjusted percentage of adults aged 18 and over with diagnosed ulcers, by Native Hawaiian 

and Pacific Islander detailed race: United States, 2014 
NATIONAL CENTER FOR HEALTH STATISTICS 40 Series 3, Number 40

● Among all NHPI adults, the percentage with diabetes was 

15.2%, which was higher than the percentages among 

all U.S. (8.5%), white (7.9%), and Asian (7.9%) adults; 

higher than but not significantly different from the 

percentage of black adults (13.2%); and lower than but 

not significantly different from the percentage among 

AIAN adults (17.8%) (Figure 23, Table 9).

● Among multiple-race NHPI adults, the percentage 

with diabetes was 12.0%, which was higher than the 

percentages among all U.S. (8.5%), white (7.9%), and 

Asian (7.9%) adults; similar to the percentage of black 

adults (13.2%); and lower than but not significantly 

different from the percentage among AIAN adults 

(17.8%).

● Among single-race NHPI adults, the percentage with 

diabetes was 17.8%, which was higher than the 

percentages among all U.S. (8.5%), white (7.9%), black 

(13.2%), and Asian (7.9%) adults; and similar to the 

percentage of AIAN adults (17.8%).

● The percentage of single-race NHPI adults with diabetes 

(17.8%) was higher than the percentage among multiplerace NHPI adults (12.0%).

Diabetes, Ulcers, Kidney Disease, Liver Disease, Arthritis, and 

Chronic Joint Problems

 

15.2

 

17.8

7.9

 17.8

 

 

Figure 23. Age-adjusted percentage of adults aged 18 and over with diagnosed diabetes, by race: 

United States, 2014 
Series 3, Number 40 41 NATIONAL CENTER FOR HEALTH STATISTICS

● The percentage of Native Hawaiian adults with diabetes 

was 14.2%, which was lower than but not significantly 

different from the percentage among all Pacific Islander 

adults (17.7%) (Figure 24, Table 9).

● Although none of the following percentages differed 

significantly from each other, the prevalence of diabetes 

was highest among Samoan adults (22.1%), followed 

by Other Pacific Islander adults (15.8%), Guamanian or 

Chamorro adults (14.8%), and Native Hawaiian adults 

(14.2%). 

● The percentage of all U.S. adults with diabetes (8.5%) 

was lower than the percentages among Native Hawaiian 

(14.2%), all Pacific Islander (17.7%), Samoan (22.1%), 

Guamanian or Chamorro (14.8%), and Other Pacific 

Islander (15.8%) adults.

Diabetes, Ulcers, Kidney Disease, Liver Disease, Arthritis, and 

Chronic Joint Problems

 

 

 

Figure 24. Age-adjusted percentage of adults aged 18 and over with diagnosed diabetes, by Native 

Hawaiian and Pacific Islander detailed race: United States, 2014 
NATIONAL CENTER FOR HEALTH STATISTICS 42 Series 3, Number 40 Table 9. Crude and age-adjusted percentages of adults aged 18 and over with selected diagnosed diseases and conditions, by race 

and Pacific Islander detailed race: United States, 2014 Data source and race Diabetes Ulcers Kidney disease in past 12 months Liver disease in past 12 months Arthritis diagnosis Chronic joint symptoms Diabetes Ulcers Kidney disease in past 12 months Liv

12 

Crude percent (standard error) Age-adjusted percent (s

2014 NHIS U.S. total1 9.3 (0.20) 6.7 (0.18) 1.9 (0.09) 1.4 (0.08) 22.5 (0.33) 28.7 (0.36) 8.5 (0.18) 6.4 (0.17) 1.8 (0.08) 1

Single-race: White 8.8 (0.23) 7.1 (0.21) 1.8 (0.10) 1.4 (0.09) 23.6 (0.39) 30.1 (0.42) 7.9 (0.20) 6.7 (0.20) 1.7 (0.09) 1

Black or African American 12.7 (0.55) 5.1 (0.37) 2.4 (0.26) 1.0 (0.18) 21.2 (0.69) 26.0 (0.78) 13.2 (0.50) 5.2 (0.37) 2.7 (0.29) 1

American Indian or Alaska Native 17.4 (3.46) 9.6 (2.63) *2.8 (0.97) *1.8 (0.65) 20.3 (3.30) 29.0 (3.44) 17.8 (3.10) 9.8 (2.64) *3.0 (0.98) *1

Asian 7.3 (0.74) 3.3 (0.49) 1.0 (0.26) 1.3 (0.31) 10.5 (0.94) 14.7 (1.03) 7.9 (0.75) 3.5 (0.50) 1.1 (0.28) 1

2014 NHPI NHIS All NHPI: NHPI total 12.1 (0.80) 4.6 (0.66) 1.9 (0.23) 1.4 (0.30) 15.7 (0.98) 25.7 (1.00) 15.2 (0.97) 5.9 (0.74) 2.6 (0.36) 1

Native Hawaiian 12.4 (1.30) 5.8 (0.97) 2.2 (0.26) 1.8 (0.50) 18.1 (1.13) 27.7 (1.50) 14.2 (1.33) 6.5 (0.92) 2.6 (0.36) 1

Pacific Islander 12.3 (1.26) 3.3 (0.64) 1.6 (0.46) 0.9 (0.24) 12.7 (1.73) 22.6 (1.56) 17.7 (1.86) 5.2 (1.30) 3.1 (0.66) *1

Samoan 18.0 (4.07) *2.6 (1.29) *2.4 (1.08) * 16.8 (3.33) 29.5 (4.47) 22.1 (3.91) *5.3 (2.45) *4.2 (1.66) 

Guamanian or Chamorro 10.2 (1.84) 6.9 (1.21) *1.5 (0.74) * 16.5 (2.29) 20.8 (2.63) 14.8 (2.01) 7.7 (1.12) *2.3 (0.87) 

Other Pacific Islander2 10.1 (2.45) *1.4 (0.59) *1.0 (0.42) *0.9 (0.42) 7.7 (1.54) 19.4 (3.26) 15.8 (3.61) * * 

Multiple-race NHPI3

:

NHPI total 9.5 (1.09) 4.2 (0.66) 1.7 (0.25) 1.7 (0.42) 13.8 (1.03) 25.4 (1.31) 12.0 (1.40) 5.2 (0.71) 2.2 (0.34) 1

Native Hawaiian 10.5 (1.42) 4.3 (0.74) 1.9 (0.29) 1.8 (0.49) 15.5 (1.17) 26.4 (1.55) 12.2 (1.59) 4.9 (0.70) 2.2 (0.38) 1

Pacific Islander *6.1 (1.91) *4.6 (1.84) * * *7.6 (2.44) 21.1 (5.34) 9.5 (2.24) *5.8 (2.00) * *2

Samoan * * * * * *28.9 (9.66) † † † 

Guamanian or Chamorro * *9.2 (3.84) – * *7.1 (2.32) *12.5 (5.00) † † † 

Other Pacific Islander2 * * * * * *27.1 (8.43) † † † 

Single-race NHPI4

:

NHPI total 14.3 (1.07) 5.0 (0.97) 2.0 (0.37) *1.1 (0.35) 17.3 (1.45) 25.9 (1.48) 17.8 (1.22) 6.5 (1.09) 3.1 (0.59) *1

Native Hawaiian 15.9 (2.26) 8.6 (2.03) 2.6 (0.53) * 23.1 (2.71) 30.1 (2.52) 17.8 (1.89) 9.2 (1.90) 3.0 (0.56) 

Pacific Islander 13.6 (1.48) 3.1 (0.75) *1.7 (0.52) *0.8 (0.25) 13.8 (1.89) 23.0 (1.95) 18.0 (1.96) 4.8 (1.36) 3.1 (0.70) *0

Samoan 21.7 (4.67) *3.4 (1.68) *2.7 (1.33) * 19.5 (3.66) 29.7 (4.96) 23.4 (3.90) *5.8 (2.55) *4.1 (1.69) 

Guamanian or Chamorro 11.7 (2.49) 6.0 (1.64) * * 19.9 (3.12) 23.9 (3.66) 14.4 (2.12) 6.1 (1.13) *2.7 (0.93) 

Other Pacific Islander2 10.4 (2.54) *1.4 (0.62) * * 7.8 (1.68) 19.0 (3.40) 15.9 (3.61) * * 

* Estimates are considered unreliable. Data preceded by an asterisk have a relative standard error (RSE) greater than 30% and less than or equal to 50% and should be used with cagreater than 50%. † Not possible to calculate; no sample in cell in one or more age-adjustment categories. – Quantity zero. 1Includes other races not shown separately.2Includes all other specific NHPI racial identities, such as Tongan, Fijian, and Marshallese, as well as general NHPI racial identities, such as Polynesian, Micronesian, Melanesian, an

who reported more than one Pacific Islander racial identity. It does not include those who indicated Native Hawaiian in addition to one or more Pacific Islander races. The racial identitIslander, not Native Hawaiian. 

3Indicates at least one other federal race category was reported in addition to NHPI. 4Indicates no other federal race category was reported.

NOTES: Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (NHPI) persons together compose the NHPI population. Samoan, Guamanian or Chamorro, and Other Pacific Islander persons togethepopulation. The 3.4% of the NHPI population that is both Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander is included in data for NHPI total under All NHPI, Multiple-race NHPl, and Single-race Ncategories. Analyses exclude the 3.8% of adults in NHPI NHIS with unknown diabetes status. Age-adjusted estimates are adjusted using the projected 2000 U.S. population as the sta18–44, 45–64, 65–74, and 75 and over. NHIS is National Health Interview Survey.SOURCES: NCHS, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander National Health Interview Survey, 2014, and National Health Interview Survey, 2014.
Series 3, Number 40 43 NATIONAL CENTER FOR HEALTH STATISTICS

● Among all NHPI children, the percentage with skin 

allergies in the past 12 months was 14.2%, which was 

higher than the percentage among white children 

(10.4%); higher than but not significantly different 

from the percentages of all U.S. (11.7%), AIAN (10.2%), 

and Asian (10.9%) children; and lower than but not 

significantly different from the percentage among black 

children (16.5%) (Figure 25, Table 10).

● Among multiple-race NHPI children, the percentage with 

skin allergies in the past 12 months was 15.3%, which 

was higher than the percentage among white children 

(10.4%); higher than but not significantly different from 

the percentages of all U.S. (11.7%), AIAN (10.2%), and 

Asian (10.9%) children; and similar to the percentage 

among black children (16.5%).

● Among single-race NHPI children, the percentage with 

skin allergies in the past 12 months was 12.6%, which 

was higher than but not significantly different from 

the percentages among white (10.4%), AIAN (10.2%), 

and Asian (10.9%) children; similar to the percentage 

among all U.S. children (11.7%); and lower than but not 

significantly different from black children (16.5%).

● The percentage of single-race NHPI children with skin 

allergies in the past 12 months (12.6%) was lower than 

but not significantly different from the percentage 

among multiple-race NHPI children (15.3%).

Child Allergies and Hay Fever

 

 12.6 11.7 

16.5

 

 

 

Figure 25. Age-adjusted percentage of children under age 18 years with skin allergies in the past 

12 months, by race: United States, 2014 
NATIONAL CENTER FOR HEALTH STATISTICS 44 Series 3, Number 40

● The percentage of Native Hawaiian children with skin 

allergies in the past 12 months was 13.5%, which was 

lower than but not significantly different from the 

percentage among all Pacific Islander children (15.8%) 

(Figure 26, Table 10).

● The percentage of all U.S. children with skin allergies in 

the past 12 months was 11.7%, which was lower than 

but not significantly different from the percentages 

among Native Hawaiian (13.5%) and all Pacific Islander 

(15.8%) children.

Child Allergies and Hay Fever

 

 

 

 

 

Figure 26. Age-adjusted percentage of children under age 18 years with skin allergies in the past 

12 months, by Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander detailed race: United States, 2014 
Series 3, Number 40 45 NATIONAL CENTER FOR HEALTH STATISTICS

Table 10. Crude and age-adjusted percentages of children under age 18 years with hay fever or respiratory, food,

or skin allergies in the past 12 months, by race including Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander detailed race:

United States, 2014

Data source and race Hay fever

Allergy type

Hay fever

Allergy type

Respiratory Food Skin Respiratory Food Skin 

Crude percent (standard error) Age-adjusted percent (standard error)

2014 NHIS

U.S. total1 8.4 (0.34) 10.0 (0.35) 5.4 (0.28) 11.6 (0.37) 8.4 (0.34) 10.1 (0.35) 5.4 (0.28) 11.7 (0.37)

Single-race: 

White 8.4 (0.41) 10.2 (0.42) 5.1 (0.31) 10.4 (0.44) 8.4 (0.40) 10.2 (0.42) 5.1 (0.32) 10.4 (0.44)

Black or African American 7.1 (0.71) 9.8 (0.80) 6.1 (0.73) 16.5 (1.03) 7.1 (0.71) 9.8 (0.80) 6.1 (0.73) 16.5 (1.03)

American Indian or Alaska Native *10.3 (3.88) *13.6 (4.21) *4.2 (2.08) *10.1 (3.12) *10.0 (3.80) *13.7 (4.20) *4.4 (2.15) *10.2 (3.21)

Asian 8.2 (1.18) 6.6 (0.99) 4.9 (0.91) 11.0 (1.33) 8.4 (1.18) 6.7 (1.00) 5.0 (0.92) 10.9 (1.32)

2014 NHPI NHIS

All NHPI:

NHPI total 8.5 (0.81) 8.7 (0.93) 4.6 (0.83) 14.6 (1.39) 8.7 (0.83) 9.1 (0.96) 4.7 (0.88) 14.2 (1.36)

Native Hawaiian 7.6 (1.31) 10.0 (1.12) 4.4 (0.89) 13.5 (1.85) 7.8 (1.31) 10.3 (1.10) 4.5 (0.93) 13.5 (1.89)

Pacific Islander 9.4 (1.64) 6.5 (1.51) 5.3 (1.29) 16.5 (2.31) 9.7 (1.68) 7.1 (1.69) 5.4 (1.37) 15.8 (2.16)

Samoan 13.2 (2.58) 5.9 (1.75) * *14.3 (4.49) 13.7 (2.91) *6.8 (2.13) * 12.2 (3.16)

Guamanian or Chamorro *6.1 (1.97) *6.6 (2.36) * *20.6 (8.53) *6.8 (2.27) *7.1 (2.42) * *22.4 (6.98)

Other Pacific Islander2 *8.5 (2.84) *6.7 (2.78) *7.5 (2.61) 16.3 (4.66) *9.3 (3.11) *8.5 (3.04) *8.4 (2.85) 15.3 (4.16)

Multiple-race NHPI3

:

NHPI total 8.5 (0.97) 8.9 (1.47) 4.0 (0.78) 16.0 (1.95) 9.0 (0.98) 9.4 (1.53) 4.0 (0.82) 15.3 (1.92)

Native Hawaiian 8.4 (1.60) 10.5 (1.45) 4.5 (1.05) 13.6 (2.48) 8.7 (1.61) 10.9 (1.48) 4.6 (1.10) 13.3 (2.39)

Pacific Islander 9.2 (1.84) *3.7 (1.14) *3.9 (1.62) 22.7 (3.60) 9.8 (1.90) *4.2 (1.33) *3.6 (1.45) 21.1 (3.70)

Samoan *11.5 (3.98) *3.1 (0.98) * *21.9 (7.69) *13.4 (4.52) *3.9 (1.41) * 17.0 (4.68)

Guamanian or Chamorro *7.2 (3.19) * * * *9.8 (4.00) * * *24.3 (9.58)

Other Pacific Islander2 *8.3 (2.72) * * *24.1 (8.41) *11.6 (4.26) * * 22.4 (6.00)

Single-race NHPI4

:

NHPI total 8.4 (2.01) 8.3 (1.86) 5.5 (1.59) 12.6 (1.89) 8.4 (1.98) 8.7 (1.95) 5.8 (1.65) 12.6 (1.78)

Native Hawaiian *5.6 (2.42) *8.7 (3.01) *4.1 (1.83) 13.3 (2.74) *5.0 (1.88) *8.4 (2.74) *4.3 (1.90) 13.4 (2.61)

Pacific Islander *9.6 (3.00) *8.2 (2.78) *6.2 (2.01) 12.6 (2.67) *9.7 (3.01) *8.6 (2.92) *6.4 (2.04) 12.3 (2.54)

Samoan *14.8 (4.52) * * *7.0 (2.29) *14.7 (4.95) *9.1 (4.54) * *6.6 (2.64)

Guamanian or Chamorro * * * * * *13.8 (6.27) * *16.0 (7.15)

Other Pacific Islander2 *8.6 (3.78) * *7.3 (3.05) *14.1 (4.68) *9.0 (3.95) *8.5 (3.65) *8.0 (3.10) *13.3 (4.24)

* Estimates are considered unreliable. Data preceded by an asterisk have a relative standard error (RSE) greater than 30% and less than or equal to 50% and 

should be used with caution. Data not shown have an RSE greater than 50%.

1

Includes other races not shown separately.

2

Includes all other specific NHPI racial identities, such as Tongan, Fijian, and Marshallese, as well as general NHPI racial identities, such as Polynesian, 

Micronesian, Melanesian, and Pacific Islander. It also includes those who reported more than one Pacific Islander racial identity. It does not include those who 

indicated Native Hawaiian in addition to one or more Pacific Islander races. The racial identity Polynesian is considered Pacific Islander, not Native Hawaiian. 

3

Indicates at least one other federal race category was reported in addition to NHPI. 

4

Indicates no other federal race category was reported.

NOTES: Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (NHPI) persons together compose the NHPI population. Samoan, Guamanian or Chamorro, and Other Pacific 

Islander persons together compose the Pacific Islander population. The 3.4% of the NHPI population that is both Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander is included in 

data for NHPI total under All NHPI, Multiple-race NHPl, and Single-race NHPI but is excluded from all other categories. Age-adjusted estimates are adjusted using 

the projected 2000 U.S. population as the standard population and three age groups (years): 0–4, 5–11, and 12–17. NHIS is National Health Interview Survey.

SOURCES: NCHS, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander National Health Interview Survey, 2014, and National Health Interview Survey, 2014.
NATIONAL CENTER FOR HEALTH STATISTICS 46 Series 3, Number 40

● Among all NHPI adults, the percentage with migraines or 

severe headaches was 13.8%, which was similar to the 

percentages among all U.S. (15.2%) and black (15.0%) 

adults, lower than but not significantly different from 

white (15.5%) and AIAN (19.2%) adults, and higher than 

the percentage among Asian adults (10.1%) (Figure 27, 

Table 11).

● Among multiple-race NHPI adults, the percentage with 

migraines or severe headaches was 14.8%, which was 

similar to the percentages among all U.S. (15.2%), black 

(15.0%), and white (15.5%) adults; lower than but not 

significantly different from the percentage among AIAN 

adults (19.2%); and higher than the percentage among 

Asian adults (10.1%).

● Among single-race NHPI adults, the percentage with 

migraines or severe headaches was 12.9%, which was 

lower than but not significantly different from the 

percentages among all U.S. (15.2%), white (15.5%), black 

(15.0%), and AIAN (19.2%) adults; and higher than but 

not significantly different from the percentage among 

Asian adults (10.1%).

● The percentage of single-race NHPI adults with migraines 

or severe headaches was 12.9%, which was lower than 

but not significantly different from the percentage 

among multiple-race NHPI adults (14.8%).

Pain and Migraines or Severe Headaches

 

 12.9 15.2 15.5 

19.2

 

 

Figure 27. Age-adjusted percentage of adults aged 18 and over with migraines or severe headaches in the 

past 3 months, by race: United States, 2014 
Series 3, Number 40 47 NATIONAL CENTER FOR HEALTH STATISTICS

Pain and Migraines or Severe Headaches

● The percentage of Native Hawaiian adults with migraines 

or severe headaches was 14.7%, which was similar 

to the percentage among all Pacific Islander adults 

(14.0%), higher than the percentage among Guamanian 

or Chamorro adults (8.9%), and lower than but not 

significantly different from the percentages among 

Samoan (18.8%) and Other Pacific Islander (16.7%) 

adults (Figure 28, Table 11).

● The percentage of Samoan adults with migraines or 

severe headaches was 18.8%, which was higher than but 

not significantly different from the percentages among 

Native Hawaiian (14.7%) and Other Pacific Islander 

(16.7%) adults, and higher than the percentage among 

Guamanian or Chamorro adults (8.9%).

● A lower percentage of Guamanian or Chamorro adults 

had migraines or severe headaches (8.9%) compared 

with Native Hawaiian (14.7%) and Samoan (18.8%) 

adults. The percentage of Guamanian or Chamorro 

adults with migraines or severe headaches (8.9%) was 

also lower than but not significantly different from the 

percentage among Other Pacific Islanders (16.7%).

● The percentage of Other Pacific Islander adults with 

migraines or severe headaches (16.7%) was lower than 

but not significantly different from the percentages 

of Samoan adults (18.8%), and higher than but not 

significantly different from the percentages of Native 

Hawaiian (14.7%) and Guamanian or Chamorro (8.9%) 

adults.

● The percentage of the total adult U.S. population with 

migraines or severe headaches was 15.2%, which was 

similar to the percentages among Native Hawaiian 

(14.7%), all Pacific Islander (14.0%), and Other Pacific 

Islander (16.7%) adults; lower than but not significantly 

different from the percentage of Samoan adults (18.8%); 

and higher than the percentage among Guamanian or 

Chamorro adults (8.9%).

 

 

 

 

 

Figure 28. Age-adjusted percentage of adults aged 18 and over with migraines or severe headaches in the 

past 3 months, by Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander detailed race: United States, 2014 
NATIONAL CENTER FOR HEALTH STATISTICS 48 Series 3, Number 40

● Among all NHPI adults, the percentage with lower back 

pain was 28.3%, which was similar to the percentages 

among all U.S. (28.1%), white (28.7%), black (28.5%), 

and AIAN (29.0%) adults, and higher than the percentage 

among Asian adults (17.6%) (Figure 29, Table 11).

● Among multiple-race NHPI adults, the percentage with 

lower back pain was 26.8%, which was similar to the 

percentage among all U.S. adults (28.1%); lower than but 

not significantly different from the percentage among 

white (28.7%), black (28.5%), and AIAN (29.0%) adults; 

and higher than the percentage among Asian adults 

(17.6%).

● Among single-race NHPI adults, the percentage with 

lower back pain was 29.4%, which was similar to the 

percentages among all U.S. (28.1%), white (28.7%), black 

(28.5%), and AIAN (29.0%) adults, and higher than the 

percentage among Asian adults (17.6%).

● The percentage of single-race NHPI adults with lower 

back pain was 29.4%, which was higher than the 

percentage among multiple-race NHPI adults (26.8%).

Pain and Migraines or Severe Headaches

 

26.8 28.7 28.5 

 

 

 

Figure 29. Age-adjusted percentage of adults aged 18 and over with lower back pain in the past 3 months, 

by race: United States, 2014 
Series 3, Number 40 49 NATIONAL CENTER FOR HEALTH STATISTICS

● The percentage of Native Hawaiian adults with lower 

back pain was 28.4%, which was similar to the percentage 

among all Pacific Islander adults (29.3%), lower than the 

percentage among Samoan adults (37.0%), and higher 

than but not significantly different from the percentages 

among Guamanian or Chamorro (23.6%) and Other 

Pacific Islander (24.2%) adults (Figure 30, Table 11).

● The percentage of Samoan adults with lower back pain 

was 37.0%, which was higher than the percentages 

among Native Hawaiian (28.4%), Guamanian or 

Chamorro (23.6%), and Other Pacific Islander (24.2%) 

adults.

● The percentage of Guamanian or Chamorro adults 

with lower back pain was 23.6%, which was similar to 

the percentage among Other Pacific Islander adults 

(24.2%), lower than but not significantly different from 

the percentage among Native Hawaiian adults (28.4%), 

and lower than the percentage among Samoan adults 

(37.0%).

● The percentage of Other Pacific Islander adults with 

lower back pain was 24.2%, which was lower than 

but not significantly different from the percentage 

among Native Hawaiian adults (28.4%), lower than the 

percentage among Samoan adults (37.0%), and similar 

to the percentage among Guamanian or Chamorro 

adults (23.6%).

● The percentage of all U.S. adults with lower back pain 

was 28.1%, which was similar to the percentages among 

Native Hawaiian (28.4%) and all Pacific Islander (29.3%) 

adults, lower than the percentage among Samoan adults 

(37.0%), and higher than but not significantly different 

from Guamanian or Chamorro (23.6%) and Other Pacific 

Islander (24.2%) adults.

Pain and Migraines or Severe Headaches

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Figure 30. Age-adjusted percentage of adults aged 18 and over with lower back pain in the past 3 months, 

by Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander detailed race: United States, 2014 
NATIONAL CENTER FOR HEALTH STATISTICS 50 Series 3, Number 40

Table 11. Crude and age-adjusted percentages of adults aged 18 and over with migraines or pain in neck or lower 

back, by race including Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander detailed race: United States, 2014

Data source and race

Migraines 

or severe 

headaches

Pain in 

neck

Lower 

back pain

Migraines 

or severe 

headaches

Pain 

in neck

Lower 

back pain

Crude percent (standard error) Age-adjusted percent (standard error)

2014 NHIS

U.S. total1 14.9 (0.28) 15.0 (0.30) 28.6 (0.37) 15.2 (0.28) 14.6 (0.32) 28.1 (0.37)

Single-race:

White 14.9 (0.32) 15.6 (0.34) 29.4 (0.42) 15.5 (0.33) 15.3 (0.36) 28.7 (0.43)

Black or African American 15.3 (0.68) 12.4 (0.57) 28.6 (0.87) 15.0 (0.66) 12.2 (0.56) 28.5 (0.87)

American Indian or Alaska Native 19.7 (3.21) 16.9 (3.19) 28.9 (3.61) 19.2 (3.18) 16.9 (3.07) 29.0 (3.66)

Asian 10.1 (0.87) 9.5 (0.80) 17.2 (1.06) 10.1 (0.85) 9.4 (0.79) 17.6 (1.08)

2014 NHPI NHIS

All NHPI:

NHPI total 14.3 (1.48) 15.5 (0.70) 27.6 (1.03) 13.8 (1.41) 15.6 (0.64) 28.3 (1.03)

 Native Hawaiian 15.2 (1.75) 16.2 (1.01) 28.0 (1.06) 14.7 (1.67) 16.2 (1.03) 28.4 (1.07)

 Pacific Islander 13.3 (1.88) 14.5 (1.95) 27.6 (2.01) 14.0 (1.85) 16.5 (1.52) 29.3 (2.25)

Samoan 14.8 (4.23) 17.3 (2.84) 33.6 (4.03) 18.8 (3.47) 19.3 (2.64) 37.0 (4.05)

Guamanian or Chamorro 9.8 (2.36) 16.3 (3.76) 22.1 (4.35) 8.9 (2.12) 17.8 (3.21) 23.6 (4.12)

Other Pacific Islander2 14.6 (3.07) 11.5 (3.27) 27.4 (3.03) 16.7 (4.30) 10.4 (2.97) 24.2 (2.89)

Multiple-race NHPI3

:

NHPI total 15.2 (1.77) 16.8 (1.00) 26.4 (1.41) 14.8 (1.69) 16.7 (0.99) 26.8 (1.25)

 Native Hawaiian 16.2 (1.70) 16.9 (1.16) 26.9 (1.46) 15.8 (1.66) 16.6 (1.12) 27.3 (1.42)

 Pacific Islander *11.8 (4.19) 15.8 (3.24) 25.0 (4.78) *10.9 (3.32) 19.1 (3.40) 19.7 (3.86)

Samoan * *19.3 (6.98) *18.0 (6.22) † † †

Guamanian or Chamorro *10.9 (4.99) *10.5 (4.45) *26.2 (8.78) † † †

Other Pacific Islander2 * * 44.2 (7.96) † † †

Single-race NHPI4

:

NHPI total 13.6 (1.83) 14.4 (1.41) 28.6 (1.77) 12.9 (1.70) 14.8 (1.23) 29.4 (1.71)

 Native Hawaiian 13.3 (2.83) 15.1 (1.89) 30.3 (1.81) 12.7 (2.71) 15.3 (1.83) 30.7 (1.66)

 Pacific Islander 13.5 (1.89) 14.2 (2.13) 28.2 (2.37) 14.2 (1.86) 16.1 (1.74) 29.7 (2.44)

Samoan *16.2 (4.88) 16.7 (2.31) 38.7 (5.32) 19.6 (4.09) 17.8 (3.01) 40.2 (5.89)

Guamanian or Chamorro 9.4 (2.53) 18.5 (4.30) 20.6 (4.34) 8.4 (2.13) 19.7 (3.91) 21.7 (3.79)

Other Pacific Islander2 14.3 (3.16) 10.9 (3.22) 26.6 (3.29) 16.4 (4.43) 9.9 (2.91) 23.6 (3.09)

* Estimates are considered unreliable. Data preceded by an asterisk have a relative standard error (RSE) greater than 30% and less than or equal to 50% and 

should be used with caution. Data not shown have an RSE greater than 50%.

†

 Not possible to calculate; no sample in cell in one or more age-adjustment categories.

1

Includes other races not shown separately.

2

Includes all other specific NHPI racial identities, such as Tongan, Fijian, and Marshallese, as well as general NHPI racial identities, such as Polynesian, 

Micronesian, Melanesian, and Pacific Islander. It also includes those who reported more than one Pacific Islander racial identity. It does not include those who 

indicated Native Hawaiian in addition to one or more Pacific Islander races. The racial identity Polynesian is considered Pacific Islander, not Native Hawaiian. 

3

Indicates at least one other federal race category was reported in addition to NHPI. 

4

Indicates no other federal race category was reported.

NOTES: Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (NHPI) persons together compose the NHPI population. Samoan, Guamanian or Chamorro, and Other Pacific 

Islander persons together compose the Pacific Islander population. The 3.4% of the NHPI population that is both Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander is included 

in data for NHPI total under All NHPI, Multiple-race NHPl, and Single-race NHPI but is excluded from all other categories. Age-adjusted estimates are adjusted 

using the projected 2000 U.S. population as the standard population and four age groups: 18–44, 45–64, 65–74, and 75 and over. NHIS is National Health Interview 

Survey.

SOURCES: NCHS, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander National Health Interview Survey, 2014, and National Health Interview Survey, 2014.
Series 3, Number 40 51 NATIONAL CENTER FOR HEALTH STATISTICS

● Among all NHPI adults, the percentage with hearing 

trouble was 14.4%, which was similar to the percentages 

among all U.S. (15.8%) and AIAN (13.5%) adults, lower 

than the percentage among white adults (17.0%), and 

higher than the percentages among black (10.5%) and 

Asian (9.5%) adults (Figure 31, Table 12).

● Among multiple-race NHPI adults, the percentage with 

hearing trouble was 15.5%, which was similar to the 

percentage among all U.S. adults (15.8%), lower than 

but not significantly different from the percentage 

among white adults (17.0%), higher than the percentage 

among black (10.5%) and Asian (9.5%) adults, and higher 

than but not significantly different from the percentage 

among AIAN adults (13.5%).

● Among single-race NHPI adults, the percentage with 

hearing trouble was 13.5%, which was the same as the 

percentage among AIAN adults (13.5%), lower than the 

percentages among all U.S. (15.8%) and white (17.0%) 

adults, and higher than the percentages among black 

(10.5%) and Asian (9.5%) adults.

● The percentage of single-race NHPI adults with hearing 

trouble (13.5%) was lower than but not significantly 

different from the percentage among multiple-race NHPI 

adults (15.5%).

Hearing and Vision Trouble and Absence of Natural Teeth 

 

 

 

 15.5 15.8 

 

 

9.5

Figure 31. Age-adjusted percentage of adults aged 18 and over with hearing trouble, by race: 

United States, 2014 
NATIONAL CENTER FOR HEALTH STATISTICS 52 Series 3, Number 40

● The percentage of Native Hawaiian adults with hearing 

trouble was 15.5%, which was higher than but not 

significantly different from the percentage among all 

Pacific Islander adults (12.1%) (Figure 32, Table 12).

● Although none of the following percentages differed 

significantly from each other, the prevalence of hearing 

trouble was highest among Native Hawaiian adults 

(15.5%), followed by Other Pacific Islander adults 

(14.8%), Guamanian or Chamorro adults (12.7%), and 

Samoan adults (12.6%). 

● The percentage of all U.S. adults with hearing trouble 

was 15.8%, which was similar to the percentages among 

Native Hawaiian (15.5%) and Other Pacific Islander 

(14.8%) adults, and higher than but not significantly 

different from the percentages among all Pacific Islander 

(12.1%), Samoan (12.6%), and Guamanian or Chamorro 

(12.7%) adults.

Hearing and Vision Trouble and Absence of Natural Teeth

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Figure 32. Age-adjusted percentage of adults aged 18 and over with hearing trouble, by Native Hawaiian 

and Pacific Islander detailed race: United States, 2014 
Series 3, Number 40 53 NATIONAL CENTER FOR HEALTH STATISTICS

Table 12. Crude and age-adjusted percentages of adults aged 18 and over with hearing trouble, vision trouble, or 

absence of teeth, by race including Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander detailed race: United States, 2014

Data source and race Hearing trouble Vision trouble

Absence of all 

natural teeth Hearing trouble Vision trouble

Absence of all 

natural teeth

Crude percent (standard error) Age-adjusted percent (standard error)

2014 NHIS

U.S. total1 16.8 (0.29) 9.1 (0.23) 7.4 (0.20) 15.8 (0.27) 8.7 (0.21) 7.0 (0.18)

Single-race: 

White 18.6 (0.34) 8.9 (0.26) 7.5 (0.23) 17.0 (0.30) 8.4 (0.24) 6.8 (0.20)

Black or African American 9.8 (0.51) 11.1 (0.60) 7.8 (0.44) 10.5 (0.52) 11.2 (0.60) 8.7 (0.45)

American Indian or Alaska Native 12.6 (2.34) 17.1 (3.13) 10.2 (2.01) 13.5 (2.47) 17.0 (3.14) 10.7 (1.74)

Asian 8.2 (0.74) 5.3 (0.64) 4.6 (0.53) 9.5 (0.74) 5.7 (0.67) 5.4 (0.58)

2014 NHPI NHIS

All NHPI:

NHPI total 11.4 (0.65) 8.8 (0.87) 6.0 (0.93) 14.4 (0.71) 9.7 (0.90) 7.6 (1.06)

Native Hawaiian 13.6 (0.96) 9.7 (1.12) 7.0 (1.23) 15.5 (0.93) 10.2 (1.16) 7.9 (1.33)

Pacific Islander 8.4 (1.14) 7.8 (1.47) 4.5 (0.73) 12.1 (1.89) 8.9 (1.34) 7.5 (1.15)

Samoan 9.5 (2.57) 10.5 (3.08) 3.9 (1.06) 12.6 (2.87) 11.6 (2.65) 4.5 (1.16)

Guamanian or Chamorro 10.4 (1.87) 9.8 (2.35) 3.1 (0.78) 12.7 (2.11) 11.2 (2.68) 5.7 (1.38)

Other Pacific Islander2 6.3 (1.84) 4.8 (1.43) 5.8 (1.39) 14.8 (1.97) *4.7 (1.48) 13.8 (1.25)

Multiple-race NHPI3

:

NHPI total 12.5 (0.81) 10.2 (1.49) 6.7 (1.59) 15.5 (1.02) 11.0 (1.58) 7.7 (1.67)

Native Hawaiian 13.9 (0.87) 10.8 (1.58) 7.6 (1.86) 15.9 (1.03) 11.2 (1.68) 8.3 (1.94)

Pacific Islander *6.8 (2.11) *8.7 (4.16) * *10.8 (3.87) *9.0 (3.39) *

Samoan * * * † † †

Guamanian or Chamorro *7.3 (3.33) *3.1 (1.35) * † † †

Other Pacific Islander2 * * * † † †

Single-race NHPI4

:

NHPI total 10.5 (0.96) 7.6 (1.14) 5.4 (0.79) 13.5 (1.11) 8.4 (1.15) 7.4 (1.05)

Native Hawaiian 13.0 (2.06) 7.7 (1.54) 5.8 (1.29) 14.5 (2.02) 8.1 (1.47) 6.8 (1.39)

Pacific Islander 8.7 (1.28) 7.6 (1.65) 4.9 (0.83) 12.1 (1.99) 8.5 (1.60) 7.7 (1.21)

Samoan 10.4 (2.79) *8.7 (3.01) *3.8 (1.46) 13.1 (3.08) 9.4 (2.62) *4.5 (1.53)

Guamanian or Chamorro 11.5 (2.45) 12.2 (2.83) 3.7 (0.91) 12.5 (2.39) 12.4 (2.97) 5.7 (1.53)

Other Pacific Islander2 6.4 (1.83) *4.8 (1.45) 6.1 (1.43) 14.7 (1.92) *4.6 (1.47) 13.9 (1.28)

* Estimates are considered unreliable. Data preceded by an asterisk have a relative standard error (RSE) greater than 30% and less than or equal to 50% and 

should be used with caution. Data not shown have an RSE greater than 50%.

†

 Not possible to calculate; no sample in cell in one or more age-adjustment categories.

1

Includes other races not shown separately.

2

Includes all other specific NHPI racial identities, such as Tongan, Fijian, and Marshallese, as well as general NHPI racial identities, such as Polynesian, 

Micronesian, Melanesian, and Pacific Islander. It also includes those who reported more than one Pacific Islander racial identity. It does not include those who 

indicated Native Hawaiian in addition to one or more Pacific Islander races. The racial identity Polynesian is considered Pacific Islander, not Native Hawaiian. 

3

Indicates at least one other federal race category was reported in addition to NHPI. 

4

Indicates no other federal race category was reported.

NOTES: Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (NHPI) persons together compose the NHPI population. Samoan, Guamanian or Chamorro, and Other Pacific 

Islander persons together compose the Pacific Islander population. The 3.4% of the NHPI population that is both Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander is included 

in data for NHPI total under All NHPI, Multiple-race NHPl, and Single-race NHPI but is excluded from all other categories. Age-adjusted estimates are adjusted 

using the projected 2000 U.S. population as the standard population and four age groups: 18–44, 45–64, 65–74, and 75 and over. NHIS is National Health Interview 

Survey.

SOURCES: NCHS, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander National Health Interview Survey, 2014, and National Health Interview Survey, 2014.
NATIONAL CENTER FOR HEALTH STATISTICS 54 Series 3, Number 40

● Among all NHPI adults, the percentage with any 

physical difficulty was 16.0%, which was similar to the 

percentage among black adults (17.4%), higher than the 

percentage among Asian adults (9.4%), higher than but 

not significantly different from the percentages among 

all U.S. (14.2%) and white (13.9%) adults, and lower 

than but not significantly different from the percentage 

among AIAN adults (21.3%) (Figure 33, Table 13).

● Among multiple-race NHPI adults, the percentage with 

any physical difficulty was 13.9%, which was similar 

to the percentages among all U.S. (14.2%) and white 

(13.9%) adults, higher than the percentage among 

Asian adults (9.4%), and lower than but not significantly 

different from the percentages among black (17.4%) and 

AIAN (21.3%) adults.

● Among single-race NHPI adults, the percentage with 

any physical difficulty was 17.7%, which was similar to 

the percentage among black adults (17.4%), higher than 

the percentages among white (13.9%) and Asian (9.4%) 

adults, higher than but not significantly different from 

the percentage among all U.S. adults (14.2%), and lower 

than but not significantly different from the percentage 

among AIAN adults (21.3%).

● The percentage of single-race NHPI adults with any 

physical difficulty was 17.7%, which was higher than but 

not significantly different from the percentage among 

multiple-race NHPI adults (13.9%).

Difficulties in Physical Functioning

 

 

 

 17.7

 

 

 

Figure 33. Age-adjusted percentage of adults aged 18 and over with any physical difficulty, by race: 

United States, 2014 
Series 3, Number 40 55 NATIONAL CENTER FOR HEALTH STATISTICS

● The percentage of Native Hawaiian adults with any 

physical difficulty was 15.2%, which was lower than 

but not significantly different from the percentage 

among all Pacific Islander adults (18.3%), lower than 

the percentage among Samoan adults (26.7%), lower 

than but not significantly different from the percentage 

among Other Pacific Islander adults (18.4%), and higher 

than but not significantly different from the percentage 

among Guamanian or Chamorro adults (12.6%) 

(Figure 34, Table 13).

● The percentage of Samoan adults with any physical 

difficulty was 26.7%, which was higher than the 

percentages among Native Hawaiian (15.2%), Guamanian 

or Chamorro (12.6%), and Other Pacific Islander (18.4%) 

adults.

● The percentage of Guamanian or Chamorro adults with 

any physical difficulty was 12.6%, which was lower 

than the percentage among Samoan adults (26.7%), 

and lower than but not significantly different from the 

percentages among Native Hawaiian (15.2%) and Other 

Pacific Islander (18.4%) adults.

● The percentage of Other Pacific Islander adults with 

any physical difficulty (18.4%) was higher than but not 

significantly different from the percentages among 

Native Hawaiian (15.2%) and Guamanian or Chamorro 

(12.6%) adults, and lower than the percentage among 

Samoan adults (26.7%). 

● The percentage of all U.S. adults with any physical 

difficulty (14.2%) was similar to the percentage among 

Native Hawaiian adults (15.2%); lower than the 

percentages among all Pacific Islander (18.3%), Samoan 

(26.7%), and Other Pacific Islander (18.4%) adults; and 

higher than but not significantly different from the 

percentage among Guamanian or Chamorro adults 

(12.6%).

Difficulties in Physical Functioning

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Figure 34. Age-adjusted percentage of adults aged 18 and over with any physical difficulty, by Native 

Hawaiian and Pacific Islander detailed race: United States, 2014 
NATIONAL CENTER FOR HEALTH STATISTICS 56 Series 3, Number 40

See footnotes at end of table.

Table 13. Crude and age-adjusted percentages of adults aged 18 and over with difficulties in physical functioning, by race includinPacific Islander detailed race: United States, 2014

Data source and race

Any 

physical 

difficulty

Very difficult 

to or cannot 

walk 

quarter-mile

Very difficult 

to or cannot 

climb 10 steps 

without resting

Very difficult 

to or 

cannot stand 

2 hours

Very difficult 

to or cannot 

sit 2 hours

Very difficult 

to or cannot 

stoop, bend, 

or kneel

Very difficult 

to or cannot 

reach over head

Very diffi

to or can

grasp or h

small obj

Crude percent (standard error)

2014 NHIS

U.S. total1 15.1 (0.27) 7.1 (0.18) 5.2 (0.15) 9.3 (0.21) 3.0 (0.12) 9.1 (0.22) 2.5 (0.11) 1.8 (0.0

Single-race: 

White 15.3 (0.31) 7.2 (0.21) 5.1 (0.17) 9.3 (0.24) 2.9 (0.13) 9.4 (0.26) 2.5 (0.12) 1.8 (0.1

Black or African American 16.6 (0.68) 8.6 (0.45) 7.1 (0.46) 10.4 (0.54) 3.7 (0.31) 9.6 (0.48) 2.9 (0.29) 1.7 (0.2

American Indian or Alaska Native 21.2 (3.50) 10.5 (2.15) 6.2 (1.53) 15.0 (3.14) 4.7 (1.26) 11.3 (2.00) *2.2 (1.00) *3.9 (1.4

Asian 8.1 (0.70) 3.0 (0.45) 2.6 (0.41) 4.5 (0.53) 1.4 (0.32) 4.1 (0.51) 1.5 (0.30) 1.2 (0.3

2014 NHPI NHIS

All NHPI:

NHPI total 12.6 (0.90) 5.5 (0.56) 3.7 (0.58) 6.4 (0.68) 2.5 (0.44) 7.2 (0.68) 2.9 (0.61) 0.9 (0.1

Native Hawaiian 13.1 (1.21) 5.3 (0.61) 3.8 (0.66) 6.2 (0.85) 2.3 (0.41) 6.8 (0.74) *2.4 (0.73) 1.2 (0.2

Pacific Islander 12.5 (1.18) 5.7 (0.98) 3.6 (0.94) 6.8 (0.98) *2.9 (0.86) 8.0 (1.21) 3.6 (0.89) *0.7 (0.3

Samoan 17.8 (2.92) *7.1 (2.19) *5.2 (1.57) 10.9 (2.22) *3.8 (1.79) 12.5 (2.35) *3.8 (1.21) 

Guamanian or Chamorro 9.0 (1.59) *4.4 (1.34) * *4.6 (1.94) * 5.0 (1.29) * 

Other Pacific Islander2 11.2 (2.35) *5.7 (1.96) *3.8 (1.67) *5.6 (1.94) *3.7 (1.60) *7.1 (2.19) *4.9 (1.70) 

Multiple-race NHPI3:

NHPI total 10.7 (1.33) 4.2 (0.67) 3.2 (0.67) 6.0 (0.89) 2.4 (0.48) 5.8 (0.68) 1.9 (0.51) *0.9 (0.3

Native Hawaiian 11.8 (1.54) 4.6 (0.83) 3.6 (0.82) 6.5 (1.08) 2.6 (0.54) 6.3 (0.78) 2.0 (0.55) *1.2 (0.3

Pacific Islander *5.9 (2.67) * * * * *3.4 (1.37) * 

Samoan * * * * – * * 

Guamanian or Chamorro * – – * * * – 

Other Pacific Islander2 * – * * – * * 

Single-race NHPI4:

NHPI total 14.2 (1.55) 6.5 (0.87) 4.0 (0.84) 6.7 (0.97) 2.7 (0.72) 8.3 (1.07) 3.7 (0.97) *0.9 (0.3

Native Hawaiian 15.7 (2.79) 6.7 (1.20) 4.1 (0.98) 5.8 (0.78) *1.5 (0.48) 7.6 (1.36) * *1.2 (0.5

Pacific Islander 13.7 (1.58) 6.5 (1.11) 4.1 (1.14) 7.4 (1.45) *3.3 (1.11) 8.9 (1.51) 4.1 (1.00) *0.8 (0.3

Samoan 20.3 (3.45) 8.1 (2.26) *6.4 (1.99) 12.1 (2.29) *5.0 (2.44) 15.0 (3.05) 4.1 (1.15) 

Guamanian or Chamorro 11.6 (2.54) *6.0 (1.93) * *5.9 (2.83) * *6.1 (1.96) * 

Other Pacific Islander2 11.5 (2.44) *6.0 (2.04) *3.8 (1.77) *5.7 (2.05) *3.8 (1.68) *7.2 (2.32) *5.0 (1.78) 
Series 3, Number 40 57 NATIONAL CENTER FOR HEALTH STATISTICSSee footnotes at end of table. Table 13. Crude and age-adjusted percentages of adults aged 18 and over with difficulties in physical functioning, by race includin

Pacific Islander detailed race: United States, 2014—Con. Data source and race Any physical difficulty Very difficult to or cannot walk quarter-mile Very difficult to or cannot climb 10 steps without resting Very difficult to or cannot stand 2 hours Very difficult to or cannot sit 2 hours Very difficult to or cannot stoop, bend, or kneel Very difficult to or cannot reach over head Very diffi

to or can

grasp or ha

small obje

Age-adjusted percent (standard error) 2014 NHIS U.S. total1 14.2 (0.23) 6.7 (0.16) 4.9 (0.14) 8.7 (0.19) 2.8 (0.11) 8.5 (0.20) 2.3 (0.10) 1.7 (0.0

Single-race: White 13.9 (0.26) 6.4 (0.17) 4.6 (0.15) 8.4 (0.20) 2.7 (0.13) 8.5 (0.23) 2.2 (0.11) 1.6 (0.1

Black or African American 17.4 (0.65) 9.2 (0.45) 7.7 (0.48) 11.1 (0.54) 3.6 (0.31) 10.0 (0.47) 3.0 (0.28) 1.8 (0.2

American Indian or Alaska Native 21.3 (3.56) 10.7 (2.11) 6.7 (1.59) 15.3 (3.24) 4.2 (1.13) 11.4 (1.89) *2.0 (0.85) *3.4 (1.1

Asian 9.4 (0.73) 3.7 (0.49) 3.2 (0.47) 5.3 (0.57) 1.5 (0.33) 4.7 (0.54) 1.8 (0.38) 1.4 (0.3

2014 NHPI NHIS All NHPI: NHPI total 16.0 (1.08) 7.2 (0.76) 5.5 (0.86) 8.6 (0.84) 2.9 (0.46) 9.2 (0.81) 3.2 (0.64) 1.3 (0.2

Native Hawaiian 15.2 (1.39) 6.4 (0.80) 4.9 (0.88) 7.5 (0.97) 2.5 (0.48) 8.0 (0.94) 2.5 (0.71) 1.5 (0.2

Pacific Islander 18.3 (2.01) 8.7 (1.53) 6.3 (1.56) 11.3 (1.80) *2.9 (0.92) 11.4 (1.75) 4.6 (1.22) 

Samoan 26.7 (2.16) 11.4 (3.01) 7.8 (1.87) 20.4 (1.64) * 17.6 (2.71) 5.1 (1.20) 

Guamanian or Chamorro 12.6 (2.56) 6.6 (1.87) *3.6 (1.69) *6.5 (2.41) * *7.1 (2.15) * 

Other Pacific Islander2 18.4 (1.99) *9.1 (3.44) *7.9 (3.35) *9.4 (3.45) *3.7 (1.59) *10.0 (3.43) *4.7 (1.58) 

Multiple-race NHPI3

:

NHPI total 13.9 (1.68) 6.1 (1.06) 5.1 (1.18) 8.3 (1.14) 2.9 (0.53) 7.8 (1.08) 2.3 (0.58) *1.1 (0.3

Native Hawaiian 14.1 (1.86) 6.0 (1.18) 5.1 (1.26) 8.1 (1.30) 2.9 (0.60) 7.8 (1.13) 2.3 (0.61) *1.3 (0.3

Pacific Islander *7.0 (2.56) * * *5.2 (2.59) * *3.5 (1.33) * 

Samoan † † † † † † † 

Guamanian or Chamorro † † † † † † † 

Other Pacific Islander2 † † † † † † † 

Single-race NHPI4

:

NHPI total 17.7 (1.86) 8.0 (0.99) 5.8 (1.12) 8.9 (1.14) 2.9 (0.77) 10.2 (1.06) 3.9 (0.99) *1.5 (0.5

Native Hawaiian 17.3 (2.61) 7.3 (1.08) 4.8 (1.02) 6.7 (0.79) *1.8 (0.58) 8.5 (1.26) * *1.6 (0.6

Pacific Islander 18.9 (2.44) 9.2 (1.66) 6.5 (1.69) 11.4 (2.19) *3.2 (1.09) 11.9 (1.98) 4.9 (1.32) *0.9 (0.4

Samoan 27.0 (2.30) 11.6 (2.90) 8.4 (1.96) 20.2 (1.44) * 18.4 (2.75) 5.2 (1.27) 

Guamanian or Chamorro 13.6 (3.05) 7.2 (2.06) *3.9 (1.82) *6.8 (2.64) * *7.6 (2.52) * 

Other Pacific Islander2 18.5 (2.08) *9.3 (3.47) *7.8 (3.48) *9.4 (3.58) *3.8 (1.64) *10.1 (3.57) *4.8 (1.64) 
NATIONAL CENTER FOR HEALTH STATISTICS 58 Series 3, Number 40 Table 13. Crude and age-adjusted percentages of adults aged 18 and over with difficulties in physical functioning, by race includin

Pacific Islander detailed race: United States, 2014—Con. * Estimates are considered unreliable. Data preceded by an asterisk have a relative standard error (RSE) greater than 30% and less than or equal to 50% and should be used with ca

greater than 50%. – Quantity zero. † Not possible to calculate; no sample in cell in one or more age-adjustment categories. 1Includes other races not shown separately. 2Includes all other specific NHPI racial identities, such as Tongan, Fijian, and Marshallese, as well as general NHPI racial identities, such as Polynesian, Micronesian, Melanesian, an

who reported more than one Pacific Islander racial identity. It does not include those who indicated Native Hawaiian in addition to one or more Pacific Islander races. The racial identitIslander, not Native Hawaiian. 3Indicates at least one other federal race category was reported in addition to NHPI. 4Indicates no other federal race category was reported. NOTES: Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (NHPI) persons together compose the NHPI population. Samoan, Guamanian or Chamorro, and Other Pacific Islander persons togethepopulation. The 3.4% of the NHPI population that is both Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander is included in data for NHPI total under All NHPI, Multiple-race NHPl, and Single-race Ncategories. Estimates are adjusted using the projected 2000 U.S. population as the standard population and four age groups: 18–44, 45–64, 65–74, and 75 and over. NHIS is NationaSOURCES: NCHS, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander National Health Interview Survey, 2014, and National Health Interview Survey, 2014.
Series 3, Number 40 59 NATIONAL CENTER FOR HEALTH STATISTICS

● Among single-race NHPI children aged 3–17 years, the 

percentage whose parents had ever been told that 

their child had a learning disability was 5.7%, which 

was higher than the percentage among Asian children 

(2.3%), lower than but not significantly different from 

the percentages among black (8.3%) and AIAN (7.9%) 

children, and similar to the percentages among all U.S. 

(7.0%) and white (7.0%) children.

● The percentage of single-race NHPI children aged 3–17 

years whose parents had ever been told that their 

child had a learning disability (5.7%) was similar to the 

percentage among multiple-race NHPI children (5.6%). 

● Among all NHPI children aged 3–17 years, the percentage 

whose parents had ever been told that their child had a 

learning disability was 5.6%, which was higher than the 

percentage among Asian children (2.3%), lower than the 

percentage among black children (8.3%), lower than but 

not significantly different from the percentage among 

AIAN children (7.9%), and similar to the percentages 

among all U.S. (7.0%) and white (7.0%) children 

(Figure 35, Table 14).

● Among multiple-race NHPI children aged 3–17 years, 

the percentage whose parents had ever been told that 

their child had a learning disability was 5.6%, which 

was higher than the percentage among Asian children 

(2.3%), lower than but not significantly different from 

the percentages among black (8.3%) and AIAN (7.9%) 

children, and similar to the percentages among all U.S. 

(7.0%) and white (7.0%) children.

Child Learning Disability or Attention-deficit/hyperactivity Disorder

 

5.6 5.6 5.7

 

7.9

 

 

Figure 35. Age-adjusted percentage of ever having been told of having a learning disability for children 

aged 3–17 years, by race: United States, 2014 
NATIONAL CENTER FOR HEALTH STATISTICS 60 Series 3, Number 40

● The percentage of Native Hawaiian children aged 3–17 

years whose parents had ever been told that their child 

had a learning disability was 5.0%, which was similar to 

the percentage among all Pacific Islander children (5.2%) 

(Figure 36, Table 14).

● The percentage of all U.S. children aged 3–17 years 

whose parents had ever been told that their child had a 

learning disability (7.0%) was higher than the percentage 

among Native Hawaiian children (5.0%), and higher 

than but not significantly different from the percentage 

among all Pacific Islander children (5.2%). 

Child Learning Disability or Attention-deficit/hyperactivity Disorder

 

 

 

 

 

 

Figure 36. Age-adjusted percentage of ever having been told of having a learning disability for children 

aged 3–17 years, by Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander detailed race: United States, 2014 
Series 3, Number 40 61 NATIONAL CENTER FOR HEALTH STATISTICS

● Among all NHPI children aged 3–17 years, the percentage 

whose parents had ever been told that their child had 

attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder was 4.7%, which 

was the same as the percentage among AIAN children 

(4.7%); lower than the percentages among all U.S. (8.9%), 

white (9.3%), and black (8.8%) children; and higher than 

the percentage among Asian children (1.1%) (Figure 37,

Table 14).

● Among multiple-race NHPI children aged 3–17 years, the 

percentage whose parents had ever been told that their 

child had attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder was 

5.7%, which was similar to the percentage among AIAN 

children (4.7%); lower than the percentages among all 

U.S. (8.9%), white (9.3%), and black (8.8%) children; and 

higher than the percentage among Asian children (1.1%).

● Among single-race NHPI children aged 3–17 years, the 

percentage whose parents had ever been told that their 

child had attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder was 

3.6%, which was similar to the percentage among AIAN 

children (4.7%); lower than the percentages among all 

U.S. (8.9%), white (9.3%), and black (8.8%) children; and 

higher than the percentage among Asian children (1.1%).

● The percentage of single-race NHPI children aged 3–17 

years whose parents had ever been told that their child 

had attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (3.6%) was 

lower than but not significantly different from the 

percentage among multiple-race NHPI children (5.7%).

Child Learning Disability or Attention-deficit/hyperactivity Disorder

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8.9

 

 

 

 

 

1.1

 

8.8

Figure 37. Age-adjusted percentage of ever having been told of having attention-deficit/hyperactivity for 

children aged 3–17 years, by race: United States, 2014 
NATIONAL CENTER FOR HEALTH STATISTICS 62 Series 3, Number 40

● The percentage of Native Hawaiian children aged 3–17 

years whose parents had ever been told that their child 

had attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (6.4%) was 

higher than the percentage among all Pacific Islander 

children (2.5%) (Figure 38, Table 14).

● The percentage of all U.S. children aged 3–17 years whose 

parents had ever been told that their child had attentiondeficit/hyperactivity disorder (8.9%) was higher than the 

percentage among Native Hawaiian (6.4%) and all Pacific 

Islander (2.5%) children. 

Child Learning Disability or Attention-deficit/hyperactivity Disorder

 

 

 

 

 

 

Figure 38. Age-adjusted percentage of ever having been told of having attention-deficit/hyperactivity for 

children aged 3–17 years, by Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander detailed race: United States, 2014 
Series 3, Number 40 63 NATIONAL CENTER FOR HEALTH STATISTICS

Table 14. Crude and age-adjusted percentages of children aged 3–17 years ever having been told of having a learning 

disability or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in the past year, by race including Native Hawaiian and Pacific 

Islander detailed race: United States, 2014

Data source and race

Ever told had 

learning disability

Ever told had 

attention-deficit/

hyperactivity 

disorder

Ever told had 

learning disability

Ever told had 

attention-deficit/

hyperactivity 

disorder

Crude percent (standard error) Age-adjusted percent (standard error)

2014 NHIS

U.S. total1 7.0 (0.32) 8.9 (0.39) 7.0 (0.32) 8.9 (0.38)

Single-race: 

White 7.0 (0.39) 9.4 (0.45) 7.0 (0.39) 9.3 (0.45)

Black or African American 8.2 (0.78) 8.8 (0.83) 8.3 (0.78) 8.8 (0.82)

American Indian or Alaska Native *8.4 (2.64) *5.0 (2.13) *7.9 (2.45) *4.7 (2.00)

Asian 2.2 (0.52) *1.1 (0.38) 2.3 (0.53) *1.1 (0.40)

2014 NHPI NHIS

All NHPI:

NHPI total 5.4 (0.91) 4.5 (0.70) 5.6 (0.99) 4.7 (0.69)

Native Hawaiian 4.8 (0.77) 6.1 (0.88) 5.0 (0.88) 6.4 (0.85)

Pacific Islander 5.1 (1.45) *2.6 (0.85) 5.2 (1.49) 2.5 (0.74)

Samoan *5.9 (2.52) *2.7 (1.02) *6.3 (2.75) *2.9 (1.12)

Guamanian or Chamorro * * * *

Other Pacific Islander2 *5.4 (2.07) * *5.5 (2.15) *

Multiple-race NHPI3

:

NHPI total 5.1 (1.02) 5.2 (0.75) 5.6 (1.19) 5.7 (0.78)

Native Hawaiian 4.2 (1.03) 6.8 (1.07) 4.5 (1.18) 7.1 (1.06)

Pacific Islander *4.5 (1.50) 1.9 (0.54) *4.7 (1.82) *2.2 (0.74)

Samoan * * * *

Guamanian or Chamorro * * * *

Other Pacific Islander2 * * * *

Single-race NHPI4

:

NHPI total 5.7 (1.49) *3.5 (1.18) 5.7 (1.53) *3.6 (1.16)

Native Hawaiian *6.1 (1.89) *4.3 (1.33) *6.4 (1.98) *4.6 (1.39)

Pacific Islander *5.4 (1.83) *3.1 (1.49) *5.5 (1.83) *2.9 (1.31)

Samoan * * * *2.7 (1.35)

Guamanian or Chamorro * * * *

Other Pacific Islander2 *5.3 (2.12) * *5.5 (2.27) *

* Estimates are considered unreliable. Data preceded by an asterisk have a relative standard error (RSE) greater than 30% and less than or equal to 50% and 

should be used with caution. Data not shown have an RSE greater than 50%.

1

Includes other races not shown separately.

2

Includes all other specific NHPI racial identities, such as Tongan, Fijian, and Marshallese, as well as general NHPI racial identities, such as Polynesian, 

Micronesian, Melanesian, and Pacific Islander. It also includes those who reported more than one Pacific Islander racial identity. It does not include those who 

indicated Native Hawaiian in addition to one or more Pacific Islander races. The racial identity Polynesian is considered Pacific Islander, not Native Hawaiian. 

3Indicates at least one other federal race category was reported in addition to NHPI. 

4

Indicates no other federal race category was reported.

NOTES: Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (NHPI) persons together compose the NHPI population. Samoan, Guamanian or Chamorro, and Other Pacific 

Islander persons together compose the Pacific Islander population. The 3.4% of the NHPI population that is both Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander is included in 

data for NHPI total under All NHPI, Multiple-race NHPl, and Single-race NHPI but is excluded from all other categories. Age-adjusted estimates are adjusted using 

the projected 2000 U.S. population as the standard population and three age groups (years): 3–4, 5–11, and 12–17. NHIS is National Health Interview Survey.

SOURCES: NCHS, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander National Health Interview Survey, 2014, and National Health Interview Survey, 2014.
NATIONAL CENTER FOR HEALTH STATISTICS 64 Series 3, Number 40

● Among all NHPI children, the percentage who had a 

problem for which prescription medication had been 

taken regularly for at least 3 months was 7.6%, which 

was lower than the percentages among all U.S. (12.6%), 

white (13.1%), and black (12.5%) children; lower than but 

not significantly different from the percentage among 

AIAN children (10.3%); and higher than the percentage 

among Asian children (4.9%) (Figure 39, Table 15).

● Among multiple-race NHPI children, the percentage who 

had a problem for which prescription medication had 

been taken regularly for at least 3 months was 8.6%, 

which was lower than the percentages among all U.S. 

(12.6%), white (13.1%), and black (12.5%) children; lower 

than but not significantly different from the percentage 

among AIAN children (10.3%); and higher than the 

percentage among Asian children (4.9%).

Child Prescription Medication Use for at Least 3 Months

● Among single-race NHPI children, the percentage who 

had a problem for which prescription medication had 

been taken regularly for at least 3 months was 6.1%, 

which was lower than the percentages among all U.S. 

(12.6%), white (13.1%), and black (12.5%) children; 

lower than but not significantly different from the 

percentage among AIAN children (10.3%); and similar to 

the percentage among Asian children (4.9%).

● The percentage of single-race NHPI children who had 

a problem for which prescription medication had been 

taken regularly for at least 3 months (6.1%) was lower 

than but not significantly different from the percentage 

among multiple-race NHPI children (8.6%).

 

 

 

7.6

 

8.6

 

6.1

 

12.6

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

12.5

Figure 39. Age-adjusted percentage of children under age 18 years having a problem for which prescription 

medication had been taken regularly for at least 3 months, by race: United States, 2014 
Series 3, Number 40 65 NATIONAL CENTER FOR HEALTH STATISTICS

● The percentage of Native Hawaiian children who had 

a problem for which prescription medication had been 

taken regularly for at least 3 months (9.8%) was higher 

than the percentage among all Pacific Islander children 

(4.8%) (Figure 40, Table 15).

● The percentage of all U.S. children who had a problem 

for which prescription medication had been taken 

regularly for at least 3 months (12.6%) was higher than 

the percentages among Native Hawaiian (9.8%) and all 

Pacific Islander (4.8%) children.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Child Prescription Medication Use for at Least 3 Months

Figure 40. Age-adjusted percentage of children under age 18 years having a problem for which prescription 

medication had been taken regularly for at least 3 months, by Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander detailed 

race: United States, 2014 
NATIONAL CENTER FOR HEALTH STATISTICS 66 Series 3, Number 40

Table 15. Crude and age-adjusted percentages of children under age 18 years having a problem for which 

prescription medication had been taken regularly for at least 3 months, by race including Native Hawaiian and 

Pacific Islander detailed race: United States, 2014

Data source and race

Children with problem for which prescription medication 

had been taken regularly for at least 3 months

Crude percent (standard error) Age-adjusted percent (standard error)

2014 NHIS

U.S. total1 12.6 (0.40) 12.6 (0.40)

Single-race:

White 13.1 (0.49) 13.1 (0.49)

Black or African American 12.4 (0.92) 12.5 (0.91)

American Indian or Alaska Native 10.5 (3.04) 10.3 (3.00)

Asian 4.9 (0.86) 4.9 (0.87)

2014 NHPI NHIS

All NHPI:

NHPI total 7.4 (0.88) 7.6 (0.87)

Native Hawaiian 9.7 (1.32) 9.8 (1.26)

Pacific Islander 4.6 (0.70) 4.8 (0.69)

Samoan *4.7 (1.59) *4.6 (1.51)

Guamanian or Chamorro *4.3 (1.94) *4.7 (2.02)

Other Pacific Islander2 *4.6 (1.44) 5.3 (1.54)

Multiple-race NHPI3

:

NHPI total 8.3 (1.20) 8.6 (1.13)

Native Hawaiian 9.4 (1.53) 9.6 (1.46)

Pacific Islander 5.3 (1.45) 6.0 (1.58)

Samoan 5.1 (1.29) 5.3 (1.51)

Guamanian or Chamorro * *

Other Pacific Islander2 *6.5 (2.78) *9.8 (3.87)

Single-race NHPI4

:

NHPI total 6.1 (1.22) 6.1 (1.22)

Native Hawaiian 10.4 (2.54) 10.0 (2.31)

Pacific Islander 4.1 (1.09) 4.1 (1.09)

Samoan * *

Guamanian or Chamorro * *

Other Pacific Islander2 *4.1 (2.05) *4.4 (2.04)

* Estimates are considered unreliable. Data preceded by an asterisk have a relative standard error (RSE) greater than 30% and less than or equal to 50% and 

should be used with caution. Data not shown have an RSE greater than 50%.

1

Includes other races not shown separately.

2

Includes all other specific NHPI racial identities, such as Tongan, Fijian, and Marshallese, as well as general NHPI racial identities, such as Polynesian, 

Micronesian, Melanesian, and Pacific Islander. It also includes those who reported more than one Pacific Islander racial identity. It does not include those who 

indicated Native Hawaiian in addition to one or more Pacific Islander races. The racial identity Polynesian is considered Pacific Islander, not Native Hawaiian. 

3

Indicates at least one other federal race category was reported in addition to NHPI. 

4

Indicates no other federal race category was reported.

NOTES: Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (NHPI) persons together compose the NHPI population. Samoan, Guamanian or Chamorro, and Other Pacific 

Islander persons together compose the Pacific Islander population. The 3.4% of the NHPI population that is both Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander is included in 

data for NHPI total under All NHPI, Multiple-race NHPl, and Single-race NHPI but is excluded from all other categories. Age-adjusted estimates are adjusted using 

the projected 2000 U.S. population as the standard population and three age groups (years): 0–4, 5–11, and 12–17. NHIS is National Health Interview Survey.

SOURCES: NCHS, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander National Health Interview Survey, 2014, and National Health Interview Survey, 2014.
Series 3, Number 40 67 NATIONAL CENTER FOR HEALTH STATISTICS

● Among all NHPI adults, the percentage who participated 

in leisure-time aerobic and muscle-strengthening 

activities that meet the 2008 federal physical activity 

guidelines was 25.6%, which was higher than the 

percentages among all U.S. (21.4%), white (22.0%), black 

(19.8%), and Asian (17.0%) adults, and higher than but 

not significantly different from AIAN adults (24.0%) 

(Figure 41, Table 16).

● Among multiple-race NHPI adults, the percentage 

who participated in leisure-time aerobic and musclestrengthening activities that meet the 2008 federal 

physical activity guidelines was 30.9%, which was higher 

than the percentages among all U.S. (21.4%), white 

(22.0%), black (19.8%), and Asian (17.0%) adults, and 

higher than but not significantly different from AIAN 

adults (24.0%).

● Among single-race NHPI adults, the percentage who 

participated in leisure-time aerobic and musclestrengthening activities that meet the 2008 federal 

physical activity guidelines was 21.1%, which was higher 

than the percentage among Asian adults (17.0%); 

similar to the percentages among all U.S. (21.4%), white 

(22.0%), and black (19.8%) adults; and lower than but 

not significantly different from the percentage among 

AIAN adults (24.0%).

● The percentage of single-race NHPI adults who 

participated in leisure-time aerobic and musclestrengthening activities that meet the 2008 federal 

physical activity guidelines (21.1%) was lower than the 

percentage among multiple-race NHPI adults (30.9%).

Leisure-time Physical Activity

 

 

 

 

 

 

Figure 41. Age-adjusted percentage of adults aged 18 and over who participated in leisure-time aerobic and 

muscle-strengthening activities that meet the 2008 federal physical activity guidelines, by race: 

United States, 2014 
NATIONAL CENTER FOR HEALTH STATISTICS 68 Series 3, Number 40

● The percentage of Native Hawaiian adults who 

participated in leisure-time aerobic and musclestrengthening activities that meet the 2008 federal 

physical activity guidelines was 26.3%, which was higher 

than the percentage among Other Pacific Islander adults 

(18.5%), higher than but not significantly different from 

the percentage among all Pacific Islander adults (22.4%), 

and similar to the percentages among Samoan (25.3%) 

and Guamanian or Chamorro (25.6%) adults (Figure 42,

Table 16).

● The percentage of Samoan adults who participated in 

leisure-time aerobic and muscle-strengthening activities 

that meet the 2008 federal physical activity guidelines 

was 25.3%, which was similar to the percentages among 

Guamanian or Chamorro (25.6%) and Native Hawaiian 

(26.3%) adults, and higher than but not significantly 

different from the percentage among Other Pacific 

Islander adults (18.5%).

● The percentage of Guamanian or Chamorro adults 

who participated in leisure-time aerobic and musclestrengthening activities that meet the 2008 federal 

physical activity guidelines was 25.6%, which was 

similar to the percentages among Samoan (25.3%) and 

Native Hawaiian (26.3%) adults, and higher than but not 

significantly different from the percentage among Other 

Pacific Islander adults (18.5%).

● The percentage of Other Pacific Islander adults who 

participated in leisure-time aerobic and musclestrengthening activities that meet the 2008 federal 

physical activity guidelines was 18.5%, which was lower 

than the percentage among Native Hawaiian adults 

(26.3%), and lower than but not significantly different 

from the percentages among Samoan (25.3%) and 

Guamanian or Chamorro (25.6%) adults. 

Leisure-time Physical Activity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Figure 42. Age-adjusted percentage of adults aged 18 and over who participated in leisure-time aerobic and 

muscle-strengthening activities that meet the 2008 federal physical activity guidelines, by Native Hawaiian 

and Pacific Islander detailed race: United States, 2014 
Series 3, Number 40 69 NATIONAL CENTER FOR HEALTH STATISTICS

● The percentage of all U.S. adults who participated in 

leisure-time aerobic and muscle-strengthening activities 

that meet the 2008 federal physical activity guidelines 

was 21.4%, which was lower than the percentage 

among Native Hawaiian adults (26.3%), lower than but 

not significantly different from Samoan (25.3%) and 

Guamanian or Chamorro (25.6%) adults, similar to all 

Pacific Islander adults (22.4%), and higher than but not 

significantly different from Other Pacific Islander adults 

(18.5%).

Leisure-time Physical Activity—Con.

See footnotes at end of table.

Table 16. Crude and age-adjusted percent distributions of participation in leisure-time aerobic and musclestrengthening activities that meet 2008 federal physical activity guidelines among adults aged 18 and over, 

by race including Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander detailed race: United States, 2014

Data source and race

Inactive 

by aerobic 

activity 

guidelines 

only

Insufficiently 

active by 

aerobic 

activity 

guidelines 

only

Sufficiently 

active, met 

aerobic 

activity 

guidelines 

only

Did not meet 

full guidelines 

for either 

aerobic activity 

or musclestrengthening

Met full 

musclestrengthening 

guidelines 

only

Met full 

aerobic 

 activity 

guidelines 

only

Met full 

guidelines for 

both aerobic 

activity and 

musclestrengthening

Crude percent (standard error)

2014 NHIS

U.S. total1 30.7 (0.45) 20.0 (0.34) 49.3 (0.45) 47.5 (0.46) 3.2 (0.14) 28.4 (0.38) 20.9 (0.36)

Single-race: 

White 29.7 (0.50) 20.1 (0.38) 50.2 (0.52) 46.6 (0.53) 3.3 (0.16) 29.0 (0.43) 21.1 (0.41)

Black or African American 38.0 (1.00) 17.9 (0.77) 44.1 (1.00) 52.9 (1.03) 3.1 (0.36) 23.8 (0.81) 20.2 (0.81)

American Indian or Alaska Native 38.8 (3.80) 16.4 (2.88) 44.8 (4.03) 51.1 (4.00) *4.0 (1.37) 20.6 (2.90) 24.3 (3.96)

Asian 28.6 (1.51) 23.3 (1.20) 48.0 (1.56) 49.5 (1.55) 2.6 (0.43) 30.6 (1.39) 17.4 (1.10)

2014 NHPI NHIS

All NHPI:

NHPI total 23.9 (1.17) 17.0 (0.77) 59.1 (1.13) 38.0 (1.30) 3.0 (0.54) 31.4 (1.48) 27.6 (1.49)

 Native Hawaiian 23.2 (1.22) 16.2 (1.45) 60.6 (1.68) 36.5 (1.65) 3.0 (0.58) 33.1 (2.00) 27.5 (2.18)

 Pacific Islander 25.7 (2.60) 18.6 (1.68) 55.7 (1.93) 41.3 (2.13) *3.1 (1.03) 30.2 (2.44) 25.4 (2.31)

Samoan 29.4 (3.28) 13.6 (3.19) 57.0 (3.38) 38.7 (2.82) * 27.7 (2.71) 29.0 (4.47)

Guamanian or Chamorro 18.6 (3.68) 18.6 (2.86) 62.8 (2.63) 34.9 (2.85) * 34.7 (4.23) 28.1 (5.59)

Other Pacific Islander2 27.9 (4.25) 21.8 (2.62) 50.2 (4.21) 47.0 (4.83) *2.7 (1.35) 29.0 (4.44) 21.3 (3.57)

Multiple-race NHPI3

:

NHPI total 20.8 (1.10) 14.4 (1.25) 64.8 (1.59) 32.2 (1.53) 3.0 (0.66) 31.5 (2.02) 33.3 (2.64)

 Native Hawaiian 22.9 (1.35) 15.3 (1.39) 61.8 (1.91) 35.1 (1.84) 3.3 (0.77) 31.3 (2.34) 30.4 (2.90)

 Pacific Islander *12.0 (3.84) 10.5 (2.63) 77.5 (4.20) 20.8 (4.00) * 36.6 (7.48) 40.9 (8.69)

Samoan *13.0 (5.75) *12.3 (4.13) 74.8 (6.69) 23.0 (6.47) * *30.7 (9.55) 43.9 (9.95)

Guamanian or Chamorro * *8.9 (3.21) 80.4 (5.63) 19.2 (5.53) * *42.2 (16.54) *38.2 (18.43)

Other Pacific Islander2 *13.5 (4.39) * 76.3 (8.72) *19.9 (6.26) * 35.8 (6.77) 40.5 (8.33)

Single-race NHPI4

:

NHPI total 26.6 (1.87) 19.2 (1.27) 54.2 (1.89) 42.8 (2.22) 3.0 (0.85) 31.3 (1.74) 22.9 (1.52)

 Native Hawaiian 23.6 (2.93) 18.0 (3.40) 58.4 (3.57) 39.2 (3.54) *2.4 (0.79) 36.4 (2.60) 22.0 (3.06)

 Pacific Islander 28.5 (3.02) 20.2 (1.83) 51.3 (2.23) 45.4 (2.56) *3.4 (1.20) 29.0 (2.50) 22.3 (1.68)

Samoan 34.8 (4.28) 14.0 (3.84) 51.1 (4.28) 43.9 (3.72) * 26.8 (2.11) 24.1 (4.30)

Guamanian or Chamorro 21.6 (4.64) 22.2 (4.18) 56.2 (3.05) 40.9 (3.27) * 31.9 (2.35) 24.3 (3.57)

Other Pacific Islander2 28.6 (4.42) 22.4 (2.61) 48.9 (4.32) 48.3 (5.07) * 28.7 (4.60) 20.4 (3.53)
NATIONAL CENTER FOR HEALTH STATISTICS 70 Series 3, Number 40

Table 16. Crude and age-adjusted percent distributions of participation in leisure-time aerobic and musclestrengthening activities that meet 2008 federal physical activity guidelines among adults aged 18 and over,

by race including Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander detailed race: United States, 2014—Con.

Data source and race

Inactive 

by aerobic 

activity 

guidelines 

only

Insufficiently 

active by 

aerobic

activity 

guidelines

only

Sufficiently 

active, met 

aerobic

activity 

guidelines

only

Did not meet 

full guidelines

for either 

aerobic activity 

or musclestrengthening

Met full 

musclestrengthening 

guidelines 

only

Met full

aerobic 

activity

guidelines

only

Met full 

guidelines for 

both aerobic 

activity and 

musclestrengthening

Age-adjusted percent (standard error)

2014 NHIS

U.S. total1 30.2 (0.44) 19.8 (0.34) 50.0 (0.46) 46.9 (0.47) 3.2 (0.14) 28.5 (0.38) 21.4 (0.37)

Single-race: 

White 28.9 (0.50) 19.9 (0.39) 51.2 (0.54) 45.7 (0.55) 3.2 (0.15) 29.1 (0.44) 22.0 (0.43)

Black or African American 38.5 (0.99) 18.1 (0.78) 43.4 (0.98) 53.5 (1.01) 3.1 (0.37) 23.5 (0.81) 19.8 (0.78)

American Indian or Alaska Native 39.2 (3.73) 16.8 (2.89) 44.0 (4.04) 51.6 (3.95) *4.3 (1.42) 20.1 (2.91) 24.0 (3.92)

Asian 29.2 (1.53) 23.4 (1.19) 47.4 (1.54) 50.0 (1.54) 2.7 (0.44) 30.4 (1.38) 17.0 (1.07)

2014 NHPI NHIS

All NHPI:

NHPI total 25.8 (1.31) 17.7 (0.77) 56.5 (1.12) 40.3 (1.26) 3.2 (0.54) 30.8 (1.42) 25.6 (1.31)

Native Hawaiian 24.2 (1.35) 16.7 (1.38) 59.0 (1.67) 37.9 (1.68) 3.1 (0.58) 32.7 (1.87) 26.3 (1.98)

Pacific Islander 28.9 (2.55) 19.7 (1.54) 51.4 (2.17) 45.2 (2.28) *3.4 (1.04) 29.0 (2.58) 22.4 (2.03)

Samoan 30.4 (3.55) 14.8 (2.78) 54.8 (3.51) 40.2 (2.90) *5.1 (2.33) 29.3 (3.42) 25.3 (3.60)

Guamanian or Chamorro 22.8 (4.04) 18.6 (2.67) 58.6 (2.92) 38.8 (3.12) *2.6 (1.28) 33.0 (3.57) 25.6 (4.64)

Other Pacific Islander2 29.7 (4.20) 26.7 (2.22) 43.6 (3.76) 53.4 (4.41) *2.9 (1.38) 25.2 (3.71) 18.5 (3.07)

Multiple-race NHPI3

:

NHPI total 22.1 (1.18) 15.7 (1.18) 62.2 (1.39) 34.4 (1.41) 3.5 (0.69) 31.2 (1.90) 30.9 (2.25)

Native Hawaiian 23.7 (1.37) 16.1 (1.33) 60.2 (1.70) 36.3 (1.70) 3.6 (0.79) 31.1 (2.23) 29.0 (2.57)

Pacific Islander 14.1 (3.93) 13.3 (2.88) 72.7 (4.36) 25.2 (3.94) * 35.4 (6.93) 37.3 (6.81)

Samoan † † † † † † †

Guamanian or Chamorro † † † † † † †

Other Pacific Islander2 † † † † † † †

Single-race NHPI4

:

NHPI total 29.0 (1.99) 19.5 (1.27) 51.6 (1.80) 45.5 (2.11) 3.0 (0.81) 30.4 (1.77) 21.1 (1.29)

Native Hawaiian 24.9 (2.89) 18.1 (3.29) 57.0 (3.40) 40.6 (3.39) *2.4 (0.77) 36.1 (2.29) 21.0 (2.71)

Pacific Islander 30.9 (2.85) 21.1 (1.76) 48.0 (2.41) 48.4 (2.57) *3.6 (1.18) 28.1 (2.68) 19.9 (1.51)

Samoan 35.0 (4.21) 14.4 (2.96) 50.6 (4.02) 43.7 (3.61) * 28.6 (3.14) 21.7 (3.64)

Guamanian or Chamorro 24.0 (4.53) 22.3 (3.80) 53.7 (3.23) 43.2 (3.47) * 31.1 (2.14) 22.6 (3.26)

Other Pacific Islander2 30.2 (4.34) 27.1 (2.20) 42.7 (3.87) 54.4 (4.61) * 25.0 (3.85) 17.8 (3.04)

* Estimates are considered unreliable. Data preceded by an asterisk have a relative standard error (RSE) greater than 30% and less than or equal to 50% and 

should be used with caution. Data not shown have an RSE greater than 50%.

†

 Not possible to calculate; no sample in cell in one or more age-adjustment categories.

1

Includes other races not shown separately.

2

Includes all other specific NHPI racial identities, such as Tongan, Fijian, and Marshallese, as well as general NHPI racial identities, such as Polynesian, 

Micronesian, Melanesian, and Pacific Islander. It also includes those who reported more than one Pacific Islander racial identity. It does not include those who 

indicated Native Hawaiian in addition to one or more Pacific Islander races. The racial identity Polynesian is considered Pacific Islander, not Native Hawaiian. 

3

Indicates at least one other federal race category was reported in addition to NHPI. 

4

Indicates no other federal race category was reported.

NOTES: Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (NHPI) persons together compose the NHPI population. Samoan, Guamanian or Chamorro, and Other Pacific 

Islander persons together compose the Pacific Islander population. The 3.4% of the NHPI population that is both Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander is included 

in data for NHPI total under All NHPI, Multiple-race NHPl, and Single-race NHPI but is excluded from all other categories. Analyses exclude 2.7% of adults in NHIS 

and 2.2% of adults in NHPI NHIS with unknown physical activity participation. Estimates are adjusted using the projected 2000 U.S. population as the standard 

population and four age groups: 18–44, 45–64, 65–74, and 75 and over. NHIS is National Health Interview Survey.

SOURCES: NCHS, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander National Health Interview Survey, 2014, and National Health Interview Survey, 2014.
Series 3, Number 40 71 NATIONAL CENTER FOR HEALTH STATISTICS

● Among all NHPI adults, the percentage who are currently 

smoking was 16.5%, which was similar to the percentages 

among all U.S. (17.0%), white (17.4%), and black (17.4%) 

adults; higher than the percentage among Asian adults 

(9.5%); and lower than but not significantly different 

from AIAN adults (20.3%) (Figure 43, Table 17).

● Among multiple-race NHPI adults, the percentage who 

are currently smoking was 16.4%, which was similar to 

the percentages among all U.S. (17.0%), white (17.4%), 

and black (17.4%) adults; higher than the percentage 

among Asian adults (9.5%); and lower than but not 

significantly different from AIAN adults (20.3%).

● Among single-race NHPI adults, the percentage who are 

currently smoking was 16.3%, which was similar to the 

percentages among all U.S. (17.0%), white (17.4%), and 

black (17.4%) adults; higher than the percentage among 

Asian adults (9.5%); and lower than but not significantly 

different from AIAN adults (20.3%).

● The percentage of single-race NHPI adults who are 

currently smoking (16.3%) was similar to the percentage 

among multiple-race NHPI adults (16.4%).

Cigarette Smoking Status

 

 

 

16.5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

9.5

Figure 43. Age-sex-adjusted prevalence of current smoking among adults aged 18 and over, by race: 

United States, 2014 
NATIONAL CENTER FOR HEALTH STATISTICS 72 Series 3, Number 40

● The percentage of Native Hawaiian adults who are 

currently smoking was 18.2%, which was higher than 

the percentage of Other Pacific Islander adults (12.9%), 

and higher than but not significantly different from the 

percentages among all Pacific Islander (14.7%), Samoan 

(16.0%), and Guamanian or Chamorro (16.1%) adults 

(Figure 44, Table 17).

● The percentage of Samoan adults who are currently 

smoking was 16.0%, which was lower than but not 

significantly different from the percentage among Native 

Hawaiian adults (18.2%), similar to the percentage 

among Guamanian or Chamorro adults (16.1%), and 

higher than but not significantly different from the 

percentage among Other Pacific Islander adults (12.9%).

● The percentage of Guamanian or Chamorro adults who 

are currently smoking was 16.1%, which was lower 

than but not significantly different from the percentage 

among Native Hawaiian adults (18.2%), similar to the 

percentage among Samoan adults (16.0%), and higher 

than but not significantly different from the percentage 

among Other Pacific Islander adults (12.9%).

● The percentage of Other Pacific Islander adults who are 

currently smoking was 12.9%, which was lower than 

the percentage among Native Hawaiian adults (18.2%), 

and lower than but not significantly different from the 

percentages among Guamanian or Chamorro (16.1%) 

and Samoan (16.0%) adults.

● The percentage of all U.S. adults who are currently 

smoking was 17.0%, which was similar to the percentages 

among Native Hawaiian (18.2%), Samoan (16.0%), and 

Guamanian or Chamorro (16.1%) adults; higher than but 

not significantly different from all Pacific Islander adults 

(14.7%); and higher than Other Pacific Islander adults 

(12.9%).

Cigarette Smoking Status

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Figure 44. Age-sex-adjusted prevalence of current smoking among adults aged 18 and over, by Native 

Hawaiian and Pacific Islander detailed race: United States, 2014 
Series 3, Number 40 73 NATIONAL CENTER FOR HEALTH STATISTICS

Table 17. Crude and age-sex-adjusted prevalences of smoking status among adults aged 18 and over, by race 

including Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander detailed race: United States, 2014

Data source and race Current smoker Former smoker Never smoked Current smoker Former smoker Never smoked

Crude percent (standard error) Age-sex-adjusted percent (standard error)

2014 NHIS

U.S. total1 16.8 (0.33) 21.9 (0.30) 61.3 (0.40) 17.0 (0.33) 21.0 (0.28) 61.9 (0.40)

Single-race:

White 17.0 (0.37) 23.9 (0.36) 59.2 (0.45) 17.4 (0.38) 22.6 (0.33) 60.0 (0.47)

Black or African American 17.3 (0.67) 14.3 (0.63) 68.4 (0.87) 17.4 (0.66) 15.1 (0.62) 67.5 (0.85)

American Indian or Alaska Native 20.9 (3.47) 25.8 (3.55) 53.2 (3.82) 20.3 (3.27) 26.8 (3.34) 52.9 (3.64)

Asian 9.6 (0.90) 12.1 (0.99) 78.3 (1.24) 9.5 (0.87) 12.3 (0.94) 78.2 (1.18)

2014 NHPI NHIS

All NHPI:

NHPI total 17.0 (1.17) 19.5 (1.23) 63.5 (1.54) 16.5 (1.04) 22.4 (1.23) 61.1 (1.23)

Native Hawaiian 18.3 (1.68) 21.0 (1.62) 60.7 (1.50) 18.2 (1.70) 23.4 (1.65) 58.4 (1.34)

Pacific Islander 15.8 (1.62) 17.3 (2.15) 66.8 (2.94) 14.7 (1.40) 19.7 (2.40) 65.6 (2.56)

Samoan 17.0 (3.69) 20.4 (4.40) 62.5 (5.82) 16.0 (3.00) 23.0 (3.87) 61.1 (4.50)

Guamanian or Chamorro 17.4 (3.39) 24.5 (3.50) 58.1 (4.24) 16.1 (2.48) 27.0 (3.82) 56.9 (4.17)

Other Pacific Islander2 14.0 (2.02) 10.7 (2.67) 75.3 (4.10) 12.9 (1.32) 12.6 (2.72) 74.5 (3.38)

Multiple-race NHPI3

:

NHPI total 16.8 (1.67) 19.5 (1.93) 63.7 (1.80) 16.4 (1.43) 23.1 (1.90) 60.5 (1.45)

Native Hawaiian 18.5 (2.04) 20.1 (2.03) 61.5 (2.22) 18.3 (1.76) 22.8 (1.96) 58.9 (1.68)

Pacific Islander 9.9 (2.82) 15.6 (3.86) 74.4 (5.43) 20.7 (3.46) 20.7 (3.94) 58.7 (5.66)

Samoan *8.3 (3.44) *17.2 (6.60) 74.5 (8.91) *13.9 (4.23) 28.9 (8.27) 57.2 (7.62)

Guamanian or Chamorro *11.2 (3.98) *15.2 (5.10) 73.6 (6.03) 22.8 (4.72) 24.6 (3.86) 52.7 (6.23)

Other Pacific Islander2 * *12.0 (4.60) 77.0 (6.70) * 14.1 (3.19) 75.1 (7.19)

Single-race NHPI4

:

NHPI total 17.3 (1.59) 19.4 (1.82) 63.3 (2.20) 16.3 (1.30) 21.9 (1.80) 61.8 (1.83)

Native Hawaiian 17.9 (2.61) 22.7 (3.26) 59.4 (3.11) 18.1 (2.81) 25.1 (2.95) 56.8 (2.74)

Pacific Islander 17.0 (1.77) 17.7 (2.34) 65.3 (2.79) 15.5 (1.45) 19.1 (2.48) 65.4 (2.40)

Samoan 19.9 (4.38) 21.5 (5.05) 58.6 (6.24) 18.5 (3.40) 22.6 (4.07) 58.9 (4.88)

Guamanian or Chamorro 19.6 (5.04) 28.0 (4.58) 52.4 (3.97) 18.5 (3.63) 27.4 (4.17) 54.1 (4.05)

Other Pacific Islander2 14.2 (2.08) 10.6 (2.80) 75.2 (4.29) 13.0 (1.38) 12.4 (2.86) 74.5 (3.49)

* Estimates are considered unreliable. Data preceded by an asterisk have a relative standard error (RSE) greater than 30% and less than or equal to 50% and 

should be used with caution. Data not shown have an RSE greater than 50%.

1

Includes other races not shown separately.

2

Includes all other specific NHPI racial identities, such as Tongan, Fijian, and Marshallese, as well as general NHPI racial identities, such as Polynesian, 

Micronesian, Melanesian, and Pacific Islander. It also includes those who reported more than one Pacific Islander racial identity. It does not include those who 

indicated Native Hawaiian in addition to one or more Pacific Islander races. The racial identity Polynesian is considered Pacific Islander, not Native Hawaiian. 

3

Indicates at least one other federal race category was reported in addition to NHPI. 

4

Indicates no other federal race category was reported.

NOTES: Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (NHPI) persons together compose the NHPI population. Samoan, Guamanian or Chamorro, and Other Pacific 

Islander persons together compose the Pacific Islander population. The 3.4% of the NHPI population that is both Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander is included 

in data for NHPI total under All NHPI, Multiple-race NHPl, and Single-race NHPI but is excluded from all other categories. Age-sex-adjusted estimates are adjusted 

using the projected 2000 U.S. population as the standard population and five age groups: 18–24, 25–34, 35–44, 45–64, and 65 and over. NHIS is National Health 

Interview Survey.

SOURCES: NCHS, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander National Health Interview Survey, 2014, and National Health Interview Survey, 2014.
NATIONAL CENTER FOR HEALTH STATISTICS 74 Series 3, Number 40

● Among all NHPI adults, the percentage who had at least 

1 heavy drinking day was 27.8%, which was similar to the 

percentages among all U.S. (26.8%), white (29.3%), and 

AIAN (29.0%) adults, and higher than the percentages 

among black (17.5%) and Asian (13.3%) adults 

(Figure 45, Table 18).

● Among multiple-race NHPI adults, the percentage who 

had at least 1 heavy drinking day was 30.4%, which was 

similar to the percentages among white (29.3%) and 

AIAN (29.0%) adults, and higher than the percentages 

among all U.S. (26.8%), black (17.5%), and Asian (13.3%) 

adults.

● Among single-race NHPI adults, the percentage who 

had at least 1 heavy drinking day was 25.9%, which was 

similar to the percentage among all U.S. adults (26.8%), 

higher than the percentages among black (17.5%) 

and Asian (13.3%) adults, lower than the percentage 

among white adults (29.3%), and lower than but not 

significantly different from the percentage among AIAN 

adults (29.0%).

● The percentage of single-race NHPI adults who had at 

least 1 heavy drinking day (25.9%) was lower than the 

percentage among multiple-race NHPI adults (30.4%).

Alcohol Consumption

 

 

 

27.8

 

 

 

25.9

 

26.8

 

 

 

17.5

 

 

 

 

Figure 45. Age-sex-adjusted percentage of adults aged 18 and over who had at least 1 heavy drinking day in 

the past year, by race: United States, 2014 
Series 3, Number 40 75 NATIONAL CENTER FOR HEALTH STATISTICS

● The percentage of Native Hawaiian adults who had 

at least 1 heavy drinking day (29.0%) was higher than 

but not significantly different from the percentages 

among all Pacific Islander (25.7%) and Other Pacific 

Islander (27.4%) adults, similar to the percentage among 

Guamanian or Chamorro adults (28.3%), and higher 

than the percentage among Samoan adults (20.3%) 

(Figure 46, Table 18).

● Although none of the following percentages differed 

significantly from each other, more Guamanian or 

Chamorro adults reported having at least 1 heavy 

drinking day (28.3%), followed by Other Pacific Islander 

adults (27.4%), and Samoan adults (20.3%).

● The percentage of U.S. adults who had at least 1 heavy 

drinking day (26.8%) was lower than but not significantly 

different from the percentage among Native Hawaiian 

adults (29.0%); similar to the percentages among all 

Pacific Islander (25.7%), Guamanian or Chamorro 

(28.3%), and Other Pacific Islander (27.4%) adults; 

and higher than the percentage among Samoan adults 

(20.3%).

Alcohol Consumption

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Figure 46. Age-sex-adjusted percentage of adults aged 18 and over who had at least 1 heavy drinking day in 

the past year, by Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander detailed race: United States, 2014 
NATIONAL CENTER FOR HEALTH STATISTICS 76 Series 3, Number 40

Table 18. Crude and age-sex-adjusted percentages of adults aged 18 and over who had at least 1 heavy drinking day 

in the past year, by race including Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander detailed race: United States, 2014

Data source and race Had at least 1 heavy drinking day in past year

Crude percent (standard error) Age-sex-adjusted percent (standard error)

2014 NHIS

U.S. total1 25.6 (0.40) 26.8 (0.38)

Single-race:

White 27.6 (0.46) 29.3 (0.45)

Black or African American 17.2 (0.74) 17.5 (0.72)

American Indian or Alaska Native 28.6 (3.57) 29.0 (3.30)

Asian 13.5 (1.01) 13.3 (0.94)

2014 NHPI NHIS

All NHPI:

NHPI total 30.0 (1.49) 27.8 (1.12)

Native Hawaiian 29.5 (1.92) 29.0 (1.88)

Pacific Islander 31.0 (3.12) 25.7 (2.19)

Samoan 24.0 (5.05) 20.3 (2.98)

Guamanian or Chamorro 33.3 (5.42) 28.3 (4.07)

Other Pacific Islander2 34.0 (4.00) 27.4 (2.75)

Multiple-race NHPI3

:

NHPI total 31.6 (1.97) 30.4 (1.68)

Native Hawaiian 31.6 (2.40) 31.0 (2.28)

Pacific Islander 34.4 (9.65) 28.1 (5.82)

Samoan 42.5 (10.95) 38.1 (7.33)

Guamanian or Chamorro *30.7 (14.22) *22.8 (7.48)

Other Pacific Islander2 20.4 (5.62) 21.2 (6.25)

Single-race NHPI4

:

NHPI total 28.7 (2.02) 25.9 (1.49)

Native Hawaiian 25.3 (2.23) 24.8 (2.02)

Pacific Islander 30.3 (2.84) 25.1 (1.80)

Samoan 17.9 (4.70) 16.6 (3.20)

Guamanian or Chamorro 34.2 (5.61) 29.1 (3.13)

Other Pacific Islander2 34.6 (4.27) 27.8 (2.93)

* Estimates are considered unreliable. Data preceded by an asterisk have a relative standard error (RSE) greater than 30% and less than or equal to 50% and 

should be used with caution. Data not shown have an RSE greater than 50%.

1

Includes other races not shown separately.

2

Includes all other specific NHPI racial identities, such as Tongan, Fijian, and Marshallese, as well as general NHPI racial identities, such as Polynesian, 

Micronesian, Melanesian, and Pacific Islander. It also includes those who reported more than one Pacific Islander racial identity. It does not include those who 

indicated Native Hawaiian in addition to one or more Pacific Islander races. The racial identity Polynesian is considered Pacific Islander, not Native Hawaiian. 

3

Indicates at least one other federal race category was reported in addition to NHPI. 

4

Indicates no other federal race category was reported.

NOTES: Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (NHPI) persons together compose the NHPI population. Samoan, Guamanian or Chamorro, and Other Pacific 

Islander persons together compose the Pacific Islander population. The 3.4% of the NHPI population that is both Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander is included 

in data for NHPI total under All NHPI, Multiple-race NHPl, and Single-race NHPI but is excluded from all other categories. Age-sex-adjusted estimates are adjusted 

using the projected 2000 U.S. population as the standard population and four age groups: 18–24, 25–44, 45–64, and 65 and over. NHIS is National Health Interview 

Survey.

SOURCES: NCHS, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander National Health Interview Survey, 2014, and National Health Interview Survey, 2014.
Series 3, Number 40 77 NATIONAL CENTER FOR HEALTH STATISTICS

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standards for the classification of federal data on race 

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2. National Center for Health Statistics. 2014 Native 

Hawaiian and Pacific Islander National Health 

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Survey description. 2017. Available from: 

ftp://ftp.cdc.gov/pub/Health_Statistics/NCHS/

Dataset_Documentation/NHPI/2014/srvydesc.pdf.

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care access and utilization among Native Hawaiian 

and Pacific Islander persons in the United States, 

2014. National Center for Health Statistics. Vital 

Health Stat 3(41). 2017. 

4. Hixson L, Hepler BB, Kim MO. The Native Hawaiian 

and other Pacific Islander population: 2010. 2010 

Census Briefs; C2010BR–12. 2012. Available from: 

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c2010br-12.pdf.

5. Blackwell DL, Lucas JW. Tables of summary health 

statistics for U.S. adults: 2014 National Health 

Interview Survey. Tables A-1a–c, circulatory diseases. 

2015. Available from: https://ftp.cdc.gov/pub/Health_

Statistics/NCHS/NHIS/SHS/2014_SHS_Table_A-1.pdf.

6. Blackwell DL, Lucas JW. Tables of summary health 

statistics for U.S. adults: 2014 National Health 

Interview Survey. Tables A-4a–c, selected diseases and 

conditions. 2015. Available from: https://ftp.cdc.gov/

pub/Health_Statistics/NCHS/NHIS/SHS/2014_SHS_

Table_A-4.pdf. 

7. Blackwell DL, Lucas JW. Tables of summary health 

statistics for U.S. adults: 2014 National Health 

Interview Survey. Tables A-5a–c, migranes and pain. 

2015. Available from: https://ftp.cdc.gov/pub/Health_

Statistics/NCHS/NHIS/SHS/2014_SHS_Table_A-5.pdf.

8. Blackwell DL, Lucas JW. Tables of summary health 

statistics for U.S. adults: 2014 National Health 

Interview Survey. Tables A-10a–c, physical functioning. 

2015. Available from: https://ftp.cdc.gov/pub/Health_

Statistics/NCHS/NHIS/SHS/2014_SHS_Table_A-10.pdf.

9. Blackwell DL, Villarroel MA. Tables of summary 

health statistics for U.S. adults: 2015 National Health 

Interview Survey. Tables A-8a–c, serious psychological 

distress. 2016. Available from: https://ftp.cdc.gov/

pub/Health_Statistics/NCHS/NHIS/SHS/2015_SHS_

Table_A-8.pdf.

10. Blackwell DL, Villarroel MA. Tables of summary 

health statistics for U.S. adults: 2015 National Health 

Interview Survey. Tables A-3a–c, cancer. 2016. 

Available from: https://ftp.cdc.gov/pub/Health_

Statistics/NCHS/NHIS/SHS/2015_SHS_Table_A-3.pdf.

11. Moy KL, Sallis JF, Trinidad DR, Ice CL, McEligot AJ. 

Health behaviors of Native Hawaiian and Pacific 

Islander adults in California. Asia Pac J Public Health 

24(6):961–9. 2012.

12. Panapasa S, Jackson J, Caldwell C, Heeringa S, McNally 

J, Williams D, et al. Community-based participatory 

research approach to evidence-based research: 

Lessons from the Pacific Islander American Health 

Study. Prog Community Health Partnersh 6(1):53–8. 

2012.

13. Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. Pub L No 

111–148, 124 Stat 119, 132. Section 4302. 2010.

14. Institute of Medicine. Race, ethnicity, and language 

data: Standardization for health care quality 

improvement. 2009.

15. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. 

HHS action plan to reduce racial and ethnic health 

disparities: A nation free of disparities in health and 

health care. 2011. Available from: 

http://minorityhealth.hhs.gov/npa/files/Plans/HHS/

HHS_Plan_complete.pdf. 

16. National Center for Health Statistics. 2014 National 

Health Interview Survey (NHIS) public use data 

release. Survey description. 2015. Available from: 

ftp://ftp.cdc.gov/pub/Health_Statistics/NCHS/

Dataset_Documentation/NHIS/2014/srvydesc.pdf.

17. Jones NA, Bullock J. The two or more races 

population: 2010. 2010 Census Briefs; C2010BR–13. 

2012. Available from: https://www.census.gov/prod/

cen2010/briefs/c2010br-13.pdf.

18. Ward BW, Clarke TC, Freeman G, Schiller JS. Early 

release of selected estimates based on data from 

the 2014 National Health Interview Survey. National 

Center for Health Statistics. 2015. Available from: 

https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/nhis/earlyrelease/

earlyrelease201506.pdf.

19. Day JC. Population projections of the United States 

by age, sex, race, and Hispanic origin: 1995 to 2050. 

U.S. Census Bureau, Current Population Reports, 

P25–1130. Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing 

Office. 1996. Available from: https://www.census.gov/

prod/1/pop/p25-1130.pdf.
NATIONAL CENTER FOR HEALTH STATISTICS 78 Series 3, Number 40

20. Klein RJ, Schoenborn CA. Age adjustment using the 

2000 projected U.S. population. Healthy People 

Statistical Notes, no. 20. Hyattsville, MD: National 

Center for Health Statistics. January 2001. Available 

from: http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/statnt/statnt20.

pdf.

21. Parsons VL, Moriarity C, Jonas K, et al. Design and 

estimation for the National Health Interview Survey, 

2006–2015. National Center for Health Statistics. Vital 

Health Stat 2(165). 2014. Available from: http://www.

cdc.gov/nchs/data/series/sr_02/sr02_165.pdf.

22. RTI International. SUDAAN (Release 11.0.0) [computer 

software]. 2012.

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quality assessment of the 2014 Native Hawaiian and 

Pacific Islander National Health Interview Survey. 

National Center for Health Statistics. Vital Health Stat 

2(174). 2017. 
Series 3, Number 40 79 NATIONAL CENTER FOR HEALTH STATISTICS

Appendix I. Technical Notes

Data Sources

Data used to produce this report were derived from the three 

main components of the 2014 Native Hawaiian and Pacific 

Islander (NHPI) National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) and 

the regular 2014 NHIS: (a) the Family Core, which collects 

information on all family members in each household; (b) 

the Sample Child Core, which collects information on one 

randomly selected child (“sample child”) in each family 

with a child; and (c) the Sample Adult Core, which collects 

information from one randomly selected adult (“sample 

adult”) in each family. 

Data analyses for the NHPI NHIS were based on 8,661 

NHPI persons in the Family Core (the component which 

collects the data used to construct the Person variables), 

2,590 adults in the Sample Adult Core, and 1,305 children 

in the Sample Child Core. Visit the NHPI NHIS website at 

https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/nhis/nhpi.html for more 

information on the design, content, and use of the NHPI 

NHIS. Data analyses for the 2014 NHIS were based on 

111,976 persons in the Family Core, 36,794 adults in the 

Sample Adult Core, and 13,413 children in the Sample 

Child Core. Visit the NHIS website at: https://www.cdc.gov/

nchs/nhis/index.htm for more information on the design, 

content, and use of NHIS. For the 2014 population sizes of 

each of the race groups used in this report, see the Table in 

Appendix I.

This report includes detailed race group estimates that 

cannot be calculated using the race variables available in 

the NHPI NHIS public-use file. In addition, the NHIS variance 

estimates in this report were produced using sample design 

information that is more detailed than that available in the 

NHIS public-use files. Analysts should be aware that variances 

may differ depending on the sample design information used. 

Analysts wishing to conduct analyses using the variables from 

the NHPI NHIS that were used to calculate estimates in this 

report, including the detailed race variables, must apply to 

use the restricted NHPI NHIS data file. For more information, 

visit the Federal Statistical Research Data Centers website 

(https://www.census.gov/fsrdc) and the Center for Economic 

Studies’ RDC Research website (https://www.census.gov/

ces/rdcresearch/howtoapply.html). Analysts wishing to 

conduct analyses using the sample design variables from 

NHIS that were used to calculate estimates in this report 

should contact the National Center for Health Statistics’ 

(NCHS) Research Data Center.

Estimation Procedures

The Person, Sample Adult, and Sample Child weights were 

used to produce the national health estimates shown in 

the tables in this report. The NHPI NHIS sample weights 

were calibrated to the American Community Survey (ACS)-

based population estimates for sex and age of the U.S. 

civilian noninstitutionalized NHPI population. The NHIS 

sample weights were both calibrated to 2010 census-based 

population estimates for sex, age, and race and ethnicity 

of the U.S. civilian noninstitutionalized population. More 

information on weighting can be found in the NHPI NHIS and 

NHIS survey descriptions (2,16) and in a report on design 

and estimation for NHIS (21). For each health measure, 

percentages for all persons, all adults, or all children, and for 

various race and age-race subgroups of these populations 

are shown. 

Because NHPI NHIS and NHIS data are based on a sample of 

the population, the data are subject to sampling error. 

Standard errors are reported to indicate the reliability of the 

estimates. Point estimates and estimates of their variances—

or standard errors—were calculated using SUDAAN 

software, which takes into account the complex sampling 

design of NHPI NHIS and NHIS. The Taylor series linearization 

method was used for variance estimation in SUDAAN (22).

Persons whose response to a given question on a health 

characteristic of interest was coded as “refused,” “don’t 

know,” or “not ascertained” are not included in the 

calculation of percentages for that health characteristic (as 

part of either the denominator or the numerator) (except 

Table 13) to provide a more straightforward presentation 

of the data. For all health measures shown in the tables, 

the percentages with unknown values are typically 

small (generally less than 1%) and would not support 

disaggregation by the demographic characteristics included 

in the tables. Estimates based on health characteristics with 

unknown percentages greater than 2% are indicated in the 

footnotes for the appropriate tables. 

The statistics in Table 13 (difficulties with physical 

functioning) include in the denominator persons whose 

response was coded as “don’t know,” “refused,” “not 

ascertained,” and “do not do.” The percentage with 

unknown values is less than 1% for all measures in the 

table, and the percentage for “do not do” is less than 2% for 

all measures in the table. These statistics were calculated 

this way for consistency with those in the 2014 Summary 

Health Statistics (7,8). 
NATIONAL CENTER FOR HEALTH STATISTICS 80 Series 3, Number 40

A few estimates in Table 8 were suppressed to comply with 

confidentiality requirements. They are indicated with a § 

symbol.

Statistical Reliability 

Standard errors are shown for all percentages in the 

tables. Relative standard errors (RSEs) are calculated as 

the standard error of the estimate divided by the estimate 

itself (percentage), and the result is then converted to a 

percentage value by multiplying the decimal value by 100.

Estimates with an RSE greater than 30% and less than or 

equal to 50% are indicated with an asterisk and should be 

used with caution because they do not meet standards of 

reliability or precision. Estimates with an RSE greater than 

50% are indicated with an asterisk and are not shown. 

Estimates for population subgroups with small sample sizes 

may fluctuate considerably from survey to survey due to 

sampling variability. 

Hypothesis Tests

This report presents results of statistical tests for differences 

between the estimates for the white, black, American 

Indian or Alaska Native (AIAN), and Asian populations 

calculated using the 2014 NHIS data set and the estimates 

for the NHPI population calculated using the NHPI NHIS, 

as well as between the estimates for some of the detailed 

NHPI groups calculated using the NHPI NHIS.

Table. Weighted frequency distribution of survey participants, by age and race including Native Hawaiian and 

Pacific Islander detailed race: United States, 2014

Data source and race Total (N ) Aged 18 and over Under age 18

Number (thousands)

2014 NHIS

U.S. total1 313,090 239,683 73,406

Single-race: 

White 244,763 190,508 54,255

Black or African American 40,340 29,458 10,883

American Indian or Alaska Native 2,992 2,078 914

Asian 17,461 13,664 3,796

2014 NHPI NHIS

All NHPI:

NHPI total 1,068 689 379

Native Hawaiian 565 378 187

Pacific Islander 467 295 171

Samoan 141 88 53

Guamanian or Chamorro 109 73 35

Other Pacific Islander2 216 133 83

Multiple-race NHPI3

:

NHPI total 522 304 217

Native Hawaiian 380 244 136

Pacific Islander 112 48 64

Samoan 42 18 24

Guamanian or Chamorro 41 19 22

Other Pacific Islander2 29 11 18

Single-race NHPI4

:

NHPI total 546 384 162

Native Hawaiian 185 134 51

Pacific Islander 355 247 107

Samoan 100 70 29

Guamanian or Chamorro 68 55 13

Other Pacific Islander2 187 122 65

1

Includes other races not shown separately.

2

Includes all other specific NHPI racial identities, such as Tongan, Fijian, and Marshallese, as well as general NHPI racial identities, such as Polynesian, 

Micronesian, Melanesian, and Pacific Islander. It also includes those who reported more than one Pacific Islander racial identity. It does not include those who 

indicated Native Hawaiian in addition to one or more Pacific Islander races. The racial identity Polynesian is considered Pacific Islander, not Native Hawaiian. 

3

Indicates at least one other federal race category was reported in addition to NHPI. 

4

Indicates no other federal race category was reported.

NOTES: Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (NHPI) persons together compose the NHPI population. Samoan, Guamanian or Chamorro, and Other Pacific 

Islander persons together compose the Pacific Islander population. The 3.4% of the NHPI population that is both Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander is included in 

data for NHPI total under All NHPI, Multiple-race NHPl, and Single-race NHPI but is excluded from all other categories. NHIS is National Health Interview Survey.

SOURCES: NCHS, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander National Health Interview Survey, 2014, and National Health Interview Survey, 2014. 
Series 3, Number 40 81 NATIONAL CENTER FOR HEALTH STATISTICS

Differences between percentages were evaluated using 

two-sided significance tests at the 0.05 level. Terms such as 

“higher than,” “lower than,” “more likely,” and “less likely” 

indicate a statistically significant difference unless otherwise 

noted. Terms such as “similar” and “no difference” indicate 

that the statistics being compared were not significantly 

different. Lack of comment regarding the difference 

between any two statistics does not necessarily mean that 

the difference was tested and found to be not significant.

Age Adjustment and Age-sex 

Adjustment

Age-adjusted (or age-sex-adjusted) and crude percentage 

estimates are provided for all tables. All percentages were 

age adjusted or age-sex adjusted to the projected 2000 U.S. 

standard population (20). Direct standardization was used 

for adjustment, using age groups that varied depending 

on the impact of age on the specific measure. Ageadjusted percentages permit comparison among various 

sociodemographic subgroups that may have different age 

structures (19,20). Age-sex-adjusted percentages permit 

comparison among various sociodemographic subgroups 

that may have different age structures and prevalence for 

particular health characteristics that differ by sex. This is 

particularly important when comparing estimates across 

racial groups. The age groups used for age adjustment in each 

table are specified in the table’s footnotes. Age-adjusted 

percentages and age-sex-adjusted percentages shown in 

the tables may not match age-adjusted percentages or agesex adjusted percentages for the same health characteristic 

in other reports, if different age groups were used for age 

adjustment. 

As a result of the relatively small population size of 

multiple-race Pacific Islander persons and, consequently, a 

small sample size, it is not possible to calculate some ageadjusted prevalence estimates for this population. The cells 

for such estimates contain only a dagger symbol (†). This 

occurs when there are no multiple-race Pacific Islander 

people within one or more age-adjustment categories 

with the given value of the health measure of interest. For 

example, there were no multiple-race Pacific Islander adults 

in the sample who had ever had asthma in at least one of 

the following age categories: 18–44, 45–64, 65–74, or 75 

and over (see Table 6). 

Age-adjusted and age-sex-adjusted percentages should be 

viewed as relative indexes rather than actual measures of 

risk. Unadjusted or crude percentages are more appropriate 

when actual risk or “burden” of illness is of interest. For more 

information on the derivation of age-adjustment weights 

for use with NCHS survey data, see “Age Adjustment Using 

the 2000 Projected U.S. Population” (20) and the projected 

year 2000 U.S. resident population (19).

Data Limitations

Before releasing the NHPI NHIS public-use data file, NCHS 

analyzed the quality of the NHPI NHIS data. This analysis 

compared the characteristics of the NHPI sample in the 

NHPI NHIS with the characteristics of the NHPI sample in 

two other national surveys (ACS and NHIS). In most regards, 

the samples were comparable. 

However, the 2014 NHPI NHIS sample differed from the ACS 

and NHIS samples on a few key characteristics. Compared 

with the NHPI samples in the ACS frame and 5 years (2010–

2014) of combined NHIS data, the NHPI NHIS sample had 

a lower proportion of Hispanic NHPI persons, a higher 

proportion of married but separated NHPI persons, a lower 

proportion of addresses with a single NHPI person, and a 

higher proportion of addresses that were resident-owned. 

However, for most analytic purposes, these differences 

are not likely to influence the results enough to raise 

concerns about the underlying fitness of the data. For more 

information about NHPI NHIS data quality, see the NHPI 

NHIS survey description (2) and the NHPI NHIS data quality 

analysis (23). 
NATIONAL CENTER FOR HEALTH STATISTICS 82 Series 3, Number 40

Appendix II. Definitions of 

Selected Terms

Sociodemographic Terms

Race (all tables)—The categories “single-race white,” 

“single-race black,” “single-race American Indian or Alaska 

Native (AIAN),” “single-race Asian,” and “single-race Native 

Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (NHPI)” refer to persons who 

indicated only the given race, each of which is one of the 

five federal race categories (1). Persons who give more than 

one race response within a single federal race category 

(e.g., Native Hawaiian and Samoan, which are both coded 

as NHPI) and no race responses in any other federal race 

category are considered single race for the purpose of these 

tables. The category “multiple-race NHPI” refers to persons 

who indicated one or more NHPI races and one or more 

races in one or more of the other federal race categories. 

The 2014 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) total U.S. 

population estimates include all races and combinations of 

races, including those not shown separately in the tables.

Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander persons together 

compose the NHPI population. Samoan, Guamanian or 

Chamorro, and Other Pacific Islander persons together 

compose the Pacific Islander population. The 3.4% of the 

NHPI population that is both Native Hawaiian and Pacific 

Islander is included in the calculations for NHPI total, singlerace NHPI total, and multiple-race NHPI total but is excluded 

from the other calculations. Other Pacific Islander includes 

all other specific NHPI racial identities, such as Tongan, 

Fijian, and Marshallese, as well as general NHPI racial 

identities, such as Polynesian, Micronesian, Melanesian, 

and Pacific Islander. It also includes those who reported 

more than one Pacific Islander racial identity.

Hispanic origin is defined as an ethnicity, so Hispanic 

persons may be of any race. In this report, results are 

shown by racial category without distinguishing ethnicity to 

maximize the NHPI sample size appropriate for inclusion in 

the calculations, and for consistency with NCHS’ Summary 

Health Statistics, whose tables provided the starting 

template for this report’s tables. 

Health Characteristics or 

Outcome Terms

Alcohol consumption (Table 18)—The estimates presented 

are for men who had five drinks or more in 1 day at least 

once in the past year and for women who had four drinks or 

more in 1 day at least once in the past year.

Body mass index (Table 2)—Body mass index (BMI) is 

calculated from the sample adult’s responses to survey 

questions regarding height and weight. BMI is defined as 

weight (in kilograms) / height (in meters) squared. BMI is 

then recoded into four categories: underweight (BMI less 

than 18.5), healthy weight (BMI greater than or equal to 

18.5 and less than 25.0), overweight (BMI greater than or 

equal to 25.0 and less than 30.0), and obese (BMI greater 

than or equal to 30.0). The same categories are used for 

both men and women and for all racial groups. Note that 

self-reported height and weight may differ from actual 

measurements.

Circulatory diseases and conditions (Table 5)—In separate 

questions, respondents were asked if they had ever been 

told by a doctor or other health professional that they 

had: hypertension (or high blood pressure), coronary heart 

disease, angina (or angina pectoris), a heart attack (or 

myocardial infarction), any other heart condition or disease 

not already mentioned, or a stroke. A person may be 

represented in more than one column. “Any heart disease” 

includes coronary heart disease, angina, heart attack, or any 

other heart condition or disease. “Coronary heart disease” 

includes coronary heart disease, angina, or heart attack. 

Persons had to have been told on two or more separate 

visits that they had hypertension or high blood pressure to 

be classified as hypertensive. 

Hearing trouble, vision trouble, and absence of teeth 

(Table 12)—In response to a question about ability to hear 

without the use of hearing aids or other listening devices, 

respondents could choose between describing their hearing 

as excellent, good, a little trouble hearing, moderate 

trouble, a lot of trouble, or deaf. For this table, “a little 

trouble hearing,” “moderate trouble,” “a lot of trouble,” and 

“deaf” were combined into one category. 

Regarding their vision, respondents were asked, “Do you 

have any trouble seeing, even when wearing glasses or 

contact lenses?” Respondents were also asked, “Are you 

blind or unable to see at all?” For this table, “any trouble 

seeing” and “blind” were combined into one category. 

Respondents were asked, “Have you lost all of your upper 

and lower natural (permanent) teeth?” A person may be 

represented in more than one column. 

Help with personal care (Table 3)—Includes responses 

about personal care or activities of daily living, including 

eating, bathing, dressing, and getting around inside the 

person’s home.
Series 3, Number 40 83 NATIONAL CENTER FOR HEALTH STATISTICS

Leisure-time physical activity and muscle-strengthening 

activity (Table 16)—All survey questions related to leisuretime physical activity were phrased in terms of current 

behavior and lack a specific prior reference period, and they 

reflect the federal “2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for 

Americans” (available from: https://health.gov/paguidelines/

pdf/paguide.pdf). These guidelines recommend that for 

substantial health benefits, adults should perform at least 

150 minutes (2 hours and 30 minutes) a week of moderateintensity aerobic physical activity, 75 minutes (1 hour and 

15 minutes) a week of vigorous-intensity aerobic physical 

activity, or an equivalent combination. Aerobic activity 

should be performed in episodes of at least 10 minutes 

and preferably, should be spread throughout the week. The 

guidelines also recommend that adults perform musclestrengthening activities of moderate or high intensity that 

involve all major muscle groups on 2 days or more a week 

for additional health benefits. 

Categories regarding only the aerobic activity guidelines are 

mutually exclusive. “Inactive by aerobic activity guidelines 

only” is participating in no leisure-time aerobic activity that 

lasted at least 10 minutes. “Insufficiently active by aerobic 

activity guidelines only” is participating in aerobic activities 

for 10 minutes or more but less than 150 minutes per week. 

“Sufficiently active, met aerobic activity guidelines only” 

is participating in moderate-intensity leisure-time physical 

activity 150 minutes or more per week, in vigorous-intensity 

leisure-time physical activity 75 minutes or more per week, 

or an equivalent combination. Categories regarding the full 

guidelines (aerobic and muscle-strengthening) are mutually 

exclusive. 

Adults who met neither the aerobic nor musclestrengthening 2008 federal guidelines may have engaged 

in lesser amounts of activity. Meeting the full musclestrengthening guidelines only means participating in 

leisure-time muscle-strengthening activities 2 days or more 

per week with either no leisure-time aerobic activity or 

aerobic activity that did not meet the guidelines. Meeting 

the full aerobic-activity guidelines only means participating 

in moderate-intensity leisure-time physical activities 150 

minutes or more per week, vigorous-intensity activities 75 

minutes or more per week, or an equivalent combination, 

and not meeting the muscle-strengthening guidelines. The 

sum of percentages for adults who met the aerobic-only 

guidelines and for those who met both the aerobic and 

muscle-strengthening guidelines equals (within rounding 

error) the percentage of adults identified as “sufficiently 

active,” according to the 2008 federal guidelines for aerobic 

activity.

In addition, estimates presented in this table are limited to 

leisure-time physical activity only. The 2008 federal physical 

activity guidelines refer to any kind of aerobic and musclestrengthening activities, not just to leisure-time aerobic and 

muscle-strengthening activities. Consequently, the leisuretime aerobic and muscle-strengthening activity estimates 

may underestimate the frequencies and percentages of 

adults who met the guidelines for aerobic and musclestrengthening activities. 

Selected diseases and conditions (Table 9)—In separate 

questions, respondents were asked if they had ever been 

told by a doctor or other health professional that they 

had an ulcer (including a stomach, duodenal, or peptic 

ulcer) or diabetes (or sugar diabetes; female respondents 

were instructed to exclude pregnancy-related diabetes). 

Responses from persons who said they had “borderline” 

diabetes were treated as unknown with respect to having 

diabetes. 

Respondents were also asked if they had ever been told by 

a doctor or other health professional that they had some 

form of arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, lupus, or 

fibromyalgia. Those who answered yes were classified as 

having an arthritis diagnosis. 

Respondents were also asked, “During the past 30 days, 

have you had pain, aching or stiffness in or around a joint 

(excluding back and neck)?” If yes, “Did your joint symptoms 

first begin more than 3 months ago?” Respondents with 

symptoms that began more than 3 months ago were 

classified in this table as having chronic joint symptoms. A 

person may be represented in more than one column. 

Serious psychological distress (Table 4)—This table measures 

an indicator of psychological distress based on six separate 

questions in the Sample Adult Core that asked respondents 

how often during the preceding 30 days they felt: 1) so sad 

that nothing could cheer them up, 2) nervous, 3) restless 

or fidgety, 4) hopeless, 5) that everything was an effort, or 

6) worthless. Each question had five response categories: 

all of the time, most of the time, some of the time, a little 

of the time, and none of the time. For this table, response 

values of 0 to 4 were assigned to each of the five response 

categories (with none of the time assigned 0 and all of the 

time assigned 4). The response values were then summed 

to yield a scale with a 0–24 range. A value of 13 or more on 

this scale was used to identify adults experiencing serious 

psychological distress (18). 

Smoking status (Table 17)—In this table, current smokers are 

defined as those who have smoked at least 100 cigarettes in 

their lifetime and still currently smoke. Former smokers have 

smoked at least 100 cigarettes in their lifetime but currently 

do not smoke at all. Nonsmokers have never smoked or 

smoked fewer than 100 cigarettes in their lifetime.
NATIONAL CENTER FOR HEALTH STATISTICS 84 Series 3, Number 40

Appendix III. Survey Questions 

Used to Define Selected Health 

Measures

Alphanumeric codes refer directly to the question on 

the 2014 National Health Interview Survey and the 2014 

Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander National Health 

Interview Survey instrument that was used to define the 

health measure.

General health status

FHS.500 Would you say [your/person’s] health in general 

is excellent, very good, good, fair, or poor?

(1) Excellent

(2) Very good

(3) Good

(4) Fair

(5) Poor

(7) Refused

(9) Don’t know

Body mass index

AHB.190 How tall are you without shoes? 

 (02–07) 2–7 feet 

 (97) Refused 

 (99) Don’t know 

 (M) Metric 

 AND 

 (00–11) 0–11 inches 

 (97) Refused 

 (99) Don’t know 

 OR 

 (0–2) 0–2 meters 

 (7) Refused 

 (9) Don’t know 

 AND 

 (000–241) 0–241 centimeters 

 (997) Refused 

 (999) Don’t know 

AHB.200 How much do you weigh without shoes? 

 (050–500) 50–500 pounds 

 (997) Refused 

 (999) Don’t know 

 (M) Metric 

 OR 

 (022–226) 22–226 kilograms 

 (997) Refused 

 (999) Don’t know

Personal care needs

FHS.070 Because of a physical, mental, or emotional 

problem, [do you/does anyone in the family] 

need the help of other persons with PERSONAL 

CARE NEEDS, such as eating, bathing, dressing, 

or getting around inside this home?

 (1) Yes

 (2) No

 (7) Refused

 (9) Don’t know

Serious psychological distress

ASI.390 During the PAST 30 DAYS, how often did you feel

...So sad that nothing could cheer you up?

...Nervous?

...Restless or fidgety?

...Hopeless?

...That everything was an effort?

...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

 (7) Refused

 (9) Don’t know
Series 3, Number 40 85 NATIONAL CENTER FOR HEALTH STATISTICS

Selected circulatory diseases and conditions

ACN.031 Have you EVER been told by a doctor or other 

health professional that you had

... Coronary heart disease?

... Angina, also called angina pectoris?

...A heart attack (also called myocardial 

infarction)?

...Any kind of heart condition or heart disease 

(other than the ones I just asked about)?

...A stroke?

 (1) Yes

 (2) No

 (7) Refused

 (9) Don’t know

ACN.010 Now I am going to ask you about certain 

medical conditions. 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

 (7) Refused

 (9) Don’t know

Selected respiratory diseases (adults)

ACN.080 Have you EVER been told by a doctor or other 

health professional that you had asthma?

 (1) Yes

 (2) No

 (7) Refused

 (9) Don’t know

ACN.085 Do you still have asthma?

 (1) Yes

 (2) No

 (7) Refused

 (9) Don’t know

ACN.201 During the PAST 12 MONTHS, have you been 

told by a doctor or other health professional 

that you had

 ... Hay fever?

 ... Sinusitis?

 (1) Yes

 (2) No

 (7) Refused

 (9) Don’t know

Ever having asthma and still having asthma 

(children)

CHS.080 Has a doctor or other health professional EVER 

told you that {SC [sample child] name} had 

asthma?

 (1) Yes

 (2) No

 (7) Refused

 (9) Don’t know

CHS.085 Does {SC name} still have asthma?

 (1) Yes

 (2) No

 (7) Refused

 (9) Don’t know

Cancer

ACN.130 Have you EVER been told by a doctor or other 

health professional that you had...Cancer or a 

malignancy of any kind?

 (1) Yes

 (2) No

 (7) Refused

 (9) Don’t know

ACN.140 What kind of cancer was it?

 (05) Breast 

 (06) Cervix 

 (07) Colon 

 (20) Prostate 

 (21) Rectum 

 (97) Refused 

 (99) Don’t know

Selected diseases and conditions

ACN.160 [If Female, begin the question with the phrase 

"Other than during pregnancy,"] Have you EVER 

been told by a doctor or health professional 

that you have diabetes or sugar diabetes?

 (1) Yes

 (2) No

 (7) Refused

 (9) Don’t know
NATIONAL CENTER FOR HEALTH STATISTICS 86 Series 3, Number 40

ACN.110 Have you EVER been told by a doctor or other 

health professional that you had...An ulcer? 

This could be a stomach, duodenal or peptic 

ulcer.

 (1) Yes

 (2) No

 (7) Refused

 (9) Don’t know

ACN.201 During the PAST 12 MONTHS, have you been 

told by a doctor or other health professional 

that you had

 ... Weak or failing kidneys? - Do not include kidney 

stones, bladder infections or incontinence.

 ... Any kind of liver condition?

 (1) Yes

 (2) No

 (7) Refused

 (9) Don’t know

ACN.290 Have you EVER been told by a doctor or other 

health professional that you have some form 

of arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, lupus, 

or fibromyalgia?

 (1) Yes

 (2) No

 (7) Refused

 (9) Don’t know

ACN.250 The next questions refer to your joints. Please 

do NOT include the back or neck. DURING THE 

PAST 30 DAYS, have you had any symptoms of 

pain, aching, or stiffness in or around a joint?

 (1) Yes

 (2) No

 (7) Refused

 (9) Don’t know

Allergies and hay fever

CHS.111 DURING THE PAST 12 MONTHS, has {SC name} 

had any of the following conditions...

 ...Hay fever?

 ...Any kind of respiratory allergy?

 ...Any kind of food/digestive allergy?

 ...Eczema or any kind of skin allergy?

 (1) Yes

 (2) No

 (7) Refused

 (9) Don’t know

Pain and migraines or severe headaches

ACN.331 During the PAST THREE MONTHS, did you have 

... Severe headache or migraine?

 (1) Yes

 (2) No

 (7) Refused

 (9) Don’t know

ACN.300 The following questions are about pain you may 

have experienced in the PAST THREE MONTHS. 

Please refer to pain that LASTED A WHOLE DAY 

OR M ORE. Do not report aches and pains that 

are fleeting or minor.

 During the PAST THREE MONTHS, did you have 

...Neck pain?

 (1) Yes

 (2) No

 (7) Refused

 (9) Don’t know

ACN.310 During the PAST THREE MONTHS, did you have 

...Low back pain?

 (1) Yes

 (2) No

 (7) Refused

 (9) Don’t know

Hearing trouble, vision trouble, and absence of 

natural teeth

ACN.400 These next questions are about your hearing 

WITHOUT the use of hearing aids or other 

listening devices.

Is your hearing excellent, good, a little trouble 

hearing, moderate trouble, a lot of trouble, or 

are you deaf?

 (1) Excellent

 (2) Good

 (3) A little trouble hearing

 (4) Moderate trouble

 (5) A lot of trouble

 (6) Deaf

 (7) Refused

 (9) Don’t know

ACN.430 Do you have trouble seeing, even when wearing 

glasses or contact lenses?

 (1) Yes

 (2) No

 (7) Refused

 (9) Don’t know
Series 3, Number 40 87 NATIONAL CENTER FOR HEALTH STATISTICS

ACN.440 Are you blind or unable to see at all?

 (1) Yes

 (2) No

 (7) Refused

 (9) Don’t know

ACN.451 Have you lost all of your upper and lower 

natural (permanent) teeth?

 (1) Yes

 (2) No

 (7) Refused

 (9) Don’t know

Difficulties in physical functioning

AHS.091 By yourself, and without using any special 

equipment, how difficult is it for you to

 ...Walk a quarter of a mile - about 3 city blocks?

 ...Walk up 10 steps without resting?

 ...Stand or be on your feet for about 2 hours?

 ...Sit for about 2 hours?

 ...Stoop, bend, or kneel?

 ...Reach up over your head?

 ...Use your fingers to grasp or handle small 

objects?

 ...Lift or carry something as heavy as 10 pounds 

such as a full bag of groceries?

 ...Push or pull large objects like a living room 

chair?

 (0) Not at all difficult

 (1) Only a little difficult

 (2) Somewhat difficult

 (3) Very difficult

 (4) Can’t do at all

 (6) Do not do this activity

 (7) Refused

 (9) Don’t know

Learning disability or attention-deficit/

hyperactivity disorder

CHS.312 Has a representative from a school or a health 

professional ever told you that {SC name} had a 

learning disability?

(1) Yes

(2) No

(7) Refused

(9) Don’t know

CHS.032 Has a doctor or health professional ever told 

you that {SC name} had ... Attention Deficit 

Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) or Attention 

Deficit Disorder (ADD)?

 (1) Yes

 (2) No

 (7) Refused

 (9) Don’t know

Prescription medication

CHS.311 Does {SC name} NOW have a problem for 

which {he/she} has regularly taken prescription 

medication for at least three months?

 (1) Yes

 (2) No

 (7) Refused

 (9) Don’t know

Leisure-time physical activity

The next questions are about physical activities (exercise, 

sports, physically active hobbies...) that you may do in your 

LEISURE time.

AHB.090 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?

Field Representative: Read if necessary: How 

many times per day, per week, per month, or 

per year do you do these activities?

 Number of vigorous leisure-time physical 

activities

(000) Never

(001–995) 1–995 time (s)

(996) Unable to do this type activity

(997) Refused

(999) Don’t know

 Time period for vigorous leisure-time physical 

activities 

 (0) Never

 (1) Per day

 (2) Per week

 (3) Per month

 (4) Per year

 (6) Unable to do this activity

 (7) Refused

 (9) Don’t know
NATIONAL CENTER FOR HEALTH STATISTICS 88 Series 3, Number 40

AHB.100 About how long do you do these vigorous 

leisure-time physical activities each time?

 Number for length of vigorous leisure-time 

physical activities

 (001–995) 1–995

 (997) Refused

 (999) Don’t know

 Time period for length of vigorous leisure-time 

physical activities

 (1) Minutes

 (2) Hours

 (7) Refused

 (9) Don’t know

AHB.110 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?

Field Representative: If necessary, prompt with: 

How many times per day, per week, per month, 

or per year do you do these activities?

 Number of light or moderate leisure-time 

physical activities

 (000) Never

 (001–995) 1–995 time (s)

 (996) Unable to do this type activity

 (997) Refused

 (999) Don’t know

Time period for light or moderate leisure-time 

physical activities

 (0) Never

 (1) Per day

 (2) Per week

 (3) Per month

 (4) Per year

 (6) Unable to do this activity

 (7) Refused

 (9) Don’t know

AHB.120 About how long do you do these light or 

moderate leisure-time physical activities each 

time?

 Number for length of light or moderate leisuretime physical activities

 (001–995) 1–995

 (997) Refused

 (999) Don’t know

 Time period for length of light or moderate 

leisure-time physical activities

 (1) Minutes

 (2) Hours

 (7) Refused

 (9) Don’t know

AHB.130 How often do you do LEISURE-TIME physical 

activities specifically designed to STRENGTHEN 

your muscles such as lifting weights or doing 

calisthenics? (Include all such activities even if 

you have mentioned them before.)

 Number of times

 (000) Never

 (001–995) 1–995 time (s)

 (996) Unable to do this type activity

 (997) Refused

 (999) Don’t know

 Time period for times per day, per week, per 

month, or per year

 (0) Never

 (1) Per day

 (2) Per week

 (3) Per month

 (4) Per year

 (6) Unable to do this activity

 (7) Refused

 (9) Don’t know

Cigarette smoking

AHB.010 Have you smoked at least 100 cigarettes in your 

ENTIRE LIFE?

 (1) Yes

 (2) No

 (7) Refused

 (9) Don’t know
Series 3, Number 40 89 NATIONAL CENTER FOR HEALTH STATISTICS

AHB.030 Do you NOW smoke cigarettes every day, some 

days or not at all?

 (1) Every day

 (2) Some days

 (3) Not at all

 (7) Refused

 (9) Don’t know

Alcohol consumption

AHB.150 In your ENTIRE LIFE, have you had at least 12 

drinks of any type of alcoholic beverage?

 (1) Yes 

 (2) No

 (7) Refused

 (9) Don’t know

AHB.180 In the PAST YEAR, on how many DAYS did 

you have [5 or more/4 or more] drinks of any 

alcoholic beverage?

NOTE: From 1997–2013, both men and women were 

asked about days in which they had 5 or more 

drinks of any alcoholic beverage. Starting in 

2014, this question was changed; men were still 

asked about days in which they had 5 or more 

drinks of any alcoholic beverage, but women 

were asked about days in which they had 4 or 

more drinks of any alcoholic beverage.

 Number of days

 (000) Never/None

 (001–365) 1–365 days

 (997) Refused

 (999) Don’t know

 Time period for days per week, per month, or 

per year

 (0) Never/None

 (1) Per week

 (2) Per month

 (3) Per year

 (7) Refused

 (9) Don’t know
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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