Highlights From 

Wave I of the 

National Survey of 

Personal Health 

Practices and 

Consequences: 

United States, 1979 

Data From the National Health Survey 

Series 15-No. 1 

Statistics are presented on personal health 

practices and self-perceived measures of. health 

for persons 20-64 years of age, by sex, age, 

and level of education, with emphasis on poor 

health and medical care practices and on 

unfavorable health characteristics and 

occupational factors. The data are from Wave 

I of the National Survey of Personal Health 

Practices and Consequences, conducted in 

1979. 

DHHS Publication No. (PHS) 81-I 162 

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services 

Public Health Service 

Office of Health Research,Statistics,and Technology 

National Center for Health Statistics 

Hyattkwille, Md. 

June 1981 
Library of Congress Cataloging in Publication Data 

Danchik, Kathleen M. 

Highlights from Wave I of the National Survey of Personal Health 

Practices and Consequences: United States, 1979 

(Data from the national health survey. Series 15; no. I) (DHHS 

publication ; no. (PHS) 81-1162) 

References: p. 8 

Supt. of Dots. no.: HE 20.6209:10/137 

‘1. Health status indicators-United States. 2. Health behaviorUnited States-Statistics. 3. Health surveys-united States. I. Schoenborn, Charlotte A. II. Title. III. Series: Vital and health statistics. Series 

15, Data from the national health survey ; no. 1. IV. Series: DHHS 

publication ; no. (PHS) 81-1162. [DNLM: 1. Habits. 2. Hygiene. 

3. Longevity. 4. Attitude to health. W2 A N148vj no. 1371 

RA407.3.D33 613l.0973 81-607003 

ISBN o-8406-0218-9 AACR2 

For sale by the Superintenclent of Documents. U.S. Government Printing Office, Washi rrton, D.C. 20402 
National Center for Health Statistics 

DOROTHY P. RICE, Director 

ROBERT A. ISRAEL, Deputy Director 

JACOBJ. FELDMAN, Ph.D.,Associate Dire&or for Analysis 

and Epidemiology 

GAIL F. FISHER, Ph.D.,Associate Director for the 

Cooperative Health Statistics System 

GARRIE J. LOSEE,Associate Director for Data Processing 

and Services 

ALVAN 0. ZARATE, Ph.D.,Assistant Director for 

International Statistics 

E. EARL BRYANT, Associate Director for Interview and 

Examination Statistics 

ROBERT C. HUBER,Associate Director for Management 

MONROEG. SIRKEN, Ph.D.,Associate Director for Research 

and Methodology 

PETER L. HURLEY, Associate Director for Vital and Health 

Care Statistics 

ALICE HAYWOOD,Information Officer 

Division of Environmental Epidemiology 

RONALD W. WILSON,Director 

THOMAS F. DRURY, Ph.D., ChieL Health Status 

Measurement Branch 

ROSALIE A. DUNN, Ph.D., Chiei Environmental Studies 

Branch 

Library of CongressCatalogCardNumber 81-607003 

ii 
Preface 

The National Survey of Personal Health Practices 

and Consequences was a combined effort of the 

Office of Health Information, Health Promotion, 

Physical Fitness and Sports Medicine of the Office of 

Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (of the 

Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health), and the 

Division of Environmental Epidemiology of the National Center for Health Statistics. Data collection 

was funded by the Office of Health Information, 

Health Promotion, Physical Fitness and Sports Meditine, and the study was conducted and analyzed by

the Division of Environmental Epidemiology. 

iii 
Contents 

Preface..............‘.....................................................,........... iii 

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

National Survey of Personal Health Practices and Consequences ....................................... 1 

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

Highlights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 

Conclusions............................................................................ 6 

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

List of detailed tables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 

Appendixes.. .......................................................................... 21 

I. Technical notes on methods ........................................................... 22 

II. Definitions of certain terms used in this report ............................................... 27 

II I. Questionnaire used to determine health practices and consequences ................................. 28 

V 
Symbols 

__ _ Data not available 

. . . Category not applicable 

Quantity zero 

0.0 Quantity more than 0 but less than 0.05 

+ Figure does not meet standards of reliability or precision (more than 30 

percent relative standard error) 

vi 
Highlights From Wave I of the 

National Survey of Personal. 

Health Practices and 

Consequences 

by Kathleen M. Danchik, Charlotte A. Schoenborn, M.P.H., 

and Jack Elinson, Ph.D., Division of Environmental 

Epidemiology 

Introduction 

This report presents data on some health practices 

and self-perceived measures of health of adults 20-64 

years of age, by sex, age, and education. The report 

deals with indications of “poor” health and medical 

care practices and of unfavorable health characteristics and occupational factors. It is the fust in a 

series of Vital and Health Statistics reports to present 

data obtained from the National Survey of Personal 

Health Practices and Consequences.

Subsequent reports will present comprehensive 

data for men and women and contain analysesof data 

on the interrelationships among selected health practices and health characteristics obtained in the frost 

wave of the survey, conducted during the spring of 

1979. Still later reports will present data from the 

second wave of the survey, accomplished in the spring 

of 1980, and will include measures of change in the 

aggregate population and in individuals between the 

first and second waves. 

National Survey of Personal Health Practices 

and Consequences 

The National Survey of Personal Health Practices and Consequences was conducted by the 

National Center for Health Statistics in the spring of 

1979. The survey was designed to meet the data 

needs of a “prevention initiative” undertaken by the 

Deputy Assistant Secretary for Health, Department 

of Health, Education, and Welfare (now the Department of Health and Human Services) in 1977-78. 

The purpose of the prevention initiative was to set 

forth specific actions that people could undertake 

to prevent disease and improve their health. The 

prevention initiative also described the role of 

Federal agencies in helping people improve these 

health practices.1~~ Among the kinds of data 

needed to meet the initiative were those that would 

permit further examination of the relation between 

personal health practices and physical health status. 

The objectives of the National Survey of Personal Health Practices and Consequences are as 

follows: 

l To determine whether the findings in Alameda 

County of the Human Population Laboratory of 

the California State Department of Health can be 

replicated on a national basis.3 The Alameda 

study found a strong relationship, between longevity and the reported practice among adults of 

seven personal health habits. 

l To determine whether these health maintenance 

practices in the adult population are stable over 

time or whether they fluctuate considerably. 

l To obtain evidence regarding the cause-effect 

relationship between health behavior and illness, 

that is, to attempt to learn the extent to which 

failure to practice health maintenance leads to 

illness and the extent to which illness inhibits the 

practice of good health habits. 

l To determine whether the association between 

preventive behavior and longevity is a function of 

simply the number of health habits practiced, as 

reported in the Alameda County study, or is a 

function of a combination of the number and 

kind of health habits practiced. 

l To assess the role of potentially influential 

variables that may intervene in the relationship 

between good health practices and health consequences. These variables include such things as 

family heritage with respect to longevity; concern 

for and perceived control over one’s own health; 

social networks and supports; exposure to hazards 

and stress at the workplace; socioeconomic considerations, including income and educational 

levels; self-perceived health status; and use of 

professional health services for the prevention of 

disease. 

1 
Methods 

Data for the National Survey of Personal Health 

Practices and Consequences were collected in telephone interviews of people in a national probability 

sample. A random-digit dialing technique was used. 

Two waves of interviews were conducted among a 

panel of adult respondents 20-64 years of age. In the 

spring of 1979, 3,025 Wave I interviews were successfully completed. This constituted an 81-percent 

response from the predesignated sample of potential 

respondents. In the spring of 1980, 2,453 Wave II 

interviews were completed. This constituted an 81-

percent response from the respondents previously 

interviewed in Wave I. 

Data collection was performed by Chilton Research Services of Radnor, Pa., under contract with 

the National Center for Health Statistics. 

The telephone interview averaged % hour. Questions were asked about diet and exercise; sleeping; 

smoking; drinking alcoholic beverages;’height and 

weight; dental hygiene; use of seat belts; changes in 

health maintenance behavior due to illness; perceived 

health status and energy level; concern about health 

and feelings about capability of taking care of one’s 

own health; use of professional health servicesfor the 

prevention of disease; use of medical and hospital 

care; behavior with respect to high blood pressure; 

disability status; frequency of colds and headaches; 

limitations on usual activities because of ill health; 

family heritage of longevity; work status and work 

conditions with respect to hazards, stress, physical 

demands, and health benefits; participation in social 

groups and religious services; enjoyment of free time; 

number and closenessof friends and relatives; general 

psychological wellbeing; recent stressful life events; 

and sociodemographic information such as age, sex, 

marital status, educational level, race, and family

income. 

Descriptions of the design of the survey, the 

methods used in estimation, and general qualifications of the data obtained are presented in appendix 

I. Appendix II contains definitions of certain terms 

used in this report. The questionnaire used in the 

spring of 1979 for the National Survey of Personal 

Health Practices and Consequences appears in appendix III of this report. 

Highlights of findings are presented in the tirst 

section of this report in roughly the same order as 

they appear in tables l-4. It should be noted that the 

completed sample in the National Survey of Personal 

Health Practices and Consequenceswas composed of 

40 percent men and 60 percent women. This ratio 

differs from National Health Interview Survey estimates of the proportion of adult men and women 

(20-64 years of age) in households with telephones, 

approximately 47 and 53 percent, respectively. Because of this difference, data in this report are neither 

shown nor discussed for both sexes combined (see 

appendix I). 

In the analysis, variables were dichotomized. into 

“good” versus “poor” health and medical care practices and “favorable” versus “unfavorable” health 

characteristics and occupational factors. Poor or 

unfavorable practices or characteristics are presented 

in this publication. Judgments about whether health 

practices are good or poor, favorable or unfavorable, 

are based on the literature currently available in the 

field of health promotion and diseaseprevention.gm8 

The dichotomies are not intended to be used as 

guidelines for establishing criteria for good health 

behavior or associated health characteristics, but 

rather as a means of presenting a great deal of data in 

a clear and concise format. Following the highlights, 

summaries of the findings are shown by education, 

age, and sex. 
Self-perceived health status 

0 As would be expected, older adults were more 

likely than younger adults to see themselves as 

being in poor or only fair health. 

l Even more striking, however, were the differing 

perceptions of their own health among persons 

with different levels of education. Persons who 

had not graduated from high school were 6 times 

more ZikeZy than persons with some college 

education to rate their health as poor or fair. 

l There was little difference between men and 

women in perception of their own health status. 

Personal health care 

l About one-third of both men and women reported that they were doing a poor or only a fair 

job of taking care of their health. 

l Adults with the least education were most likely 

to report they were doing a poor or only a fair 

job of taking care of their health. 

Worry over health 

l Women, particularly the oldest and those with the 

least education, were more likely to worry about 

their health than men were. 

l Older adults and people with the least education 

were somewhat more likely to worry about their 

health than those who were younger and had 

more education. 

Routine physical activities 

l The oldest adults, women, and those with the 

least education were the most likely to report 

having difficulty with routine physical activities 

such as walking, using stairs, standing or sitting 

for long periods, using fingers to grasp or handle, 

or lifting or carrying something heavy. 

Physical condition 

0 Adults with less than a high school education 

were the most likely to be dissatisfied with their 

overall physical condition. 

Overweight 

l Women were more inclined than men to consider 

themselves overweight. This was true in all age 

groups and at all educational levels. 

Exercise 

l A larger proportion of women than men thought 

they were getting less exercise than they needed. 

Again, this was true for all age groups and 

educational levels. 

l Younger adults were more likely than older ones 

to report that they did not get enough exercise. 

Physical activity level 

0 Women were more inclined than men to consider 

themselves less physically active than their peers. 

l The proportion of adults reporting that they were 

less physically active than their peers was highest 

among those in the lowest educational category, 

especially among men. 

Energy level 

l Women were more likely than men to say they 

had less energy than other people their age. 

l Perception of energy level was related to education. Adults with the most education viewed 

3 
themselves as having more energy than adults 

with the least education. 

Control over health 

0 The adults with the least education were those 

most likely to think they had little or no control 

over their health. 

Prevention of high blood pressure 

l Men, especially men with less than a high school 

education, were somewhat more inclined than 

women to feel there was nothing they could do to 

prevent high blood pressure. 

Colds and headaches 

About 10 percent of both men and women 

reported having three or more colds in the past 

year. Among women, the frequency of colds 

appeared to be related to age. Young women were 

more likely to report having colds than older 

women. 

Women, particularly young women, were more 

likely than men to report having headaches at 

least once a week. 

Physical checkup and blood pressure check 

l In most age groups and at most educational levels, 

men were less likely than women to have had a 

general physical checkup in the past year. 

0 Men were less apt to have had a blood pressure 

check in the past year than women were. 

Eye examination 

l Three out of 5 adults reported no eye examination in the past year. 

Regular source of medical care 

l Men were twice as likely as women to report they 

had no regular source of medical care. 

Dental visits 

l Adults with less than a high school education 

were less likely than adults with more than 12 

years of education to have seen a dentist in the 

past year. 

Pap smear and breast examination 

l Of all women, the oldest and those in the lowest 

education category were the least apt to have had 

a Pap smear or a breast examination within the 

past year. 

Cigarette smoking: general 

l Men were more likely than women to report 

having smoked at least 100 cigarettes in their 

lifetimes, to smoke cigarettes currently, to smoke 

25 or more cigarettes a day, and to smoke high 

tar and nicotine cigarettes. These differences were 

not sustained in every age and education group, 

however. 

l Younger, less educated men and women were 

more likely than others to smoke cigarettes 

currently. 

Cigarette smoking: attempts to quit 

l Attempts to quit smoking were related to age 

among men. A greater proportion of older than 

younger male smokers reported no attempts to 

quit smoking in the past 2 years. 

Cigarette smoking: tar and nicotine levels 

0 The adults most likely to report smoking cigarettes with a high tar and nicotine content were 

the oldest men with the least education (45 

percent). Among women, those in the youngest 

group with the least education were the most 

likely to report smoking high tar and nicotine 

cigarettes. 

Alcohol consumption 

l Heavy drinking was 6 times more likely to occur 

among men than among women (19 percent of 

men versus 3 percent of women). 

o Young men reported drinking more than older 

men did. 

Sleep (fewer than 7 hours) 

l About the same proportions of men and women 

reported sleeping fewer than 7 hours a night (24 

percent of men and 19 percent of women). 

Sleep (fewer than 7 or more than 8 hours) 

l In general about 1 in 3 adults reported sleeping an 

average of either fewer than 7 hours or more than 

: 8 hours a night. 

Rating breakfast 

l About the same proportion (one-quarter) of both 

men and women reported that they rarely or 

never ate breakfast. 

4 
Drinking coffee 

l More men than women reported drinking 5 or 3 

more cups of coffee a day. This was true for most 

age and education groups. 

Drinking fruit or vegetable juices 

l Men were less inclined than women to drink a 

glassof fruit or vegetabie juice daily. 

l Men and women with less than a high school 

education were less likely than adults with more 

than a high school education to drink fruit or 

vegetable juice daily. 

Drinking water 

l About 1 in 10 adults surveyed reported drinking 

less than 1 glassof water a day. 

Drinking soft drinks 

l Young adults were more likely than older adults 

to drink soft drinks. There were few differences 

between men’and women and among education 

groups. 

Efforts to limit red meat 

0 Few people made an effort to limit the amount of 

red meat in their diets for health reasons, but men 

were even less likely to do so than women were. ’ 

Taking vitamins 

0 Men were also less likely than women to take 

vitamin pills or supplements. This was true for 

most age and education groups. 

Brushing and flossing teeth 

l Twice as many men as women reported brushing 

their teeth less than 2 times a day (49 percent of 

men and 25 percent of women). 

l Adults with the most education were the most 

likely to brush their teeth at least twice a day. 

l The pattern of differences between men and 

women and among education groups was the 

same for flossing teeth or using a water pick as it 

was for brushing teeth. Differences between men 

and women were not as great, however, and 

differences by education level were more marked. 

Seatbelts 

l About half of the adults surveyed reported they 

never used seatbelts; two-thirds reported they 

seldom or never used them. 

l Those with more than 12 years of education were 

the most likely to use seatbelts. 

Variable work shift 

l Men were more likely than women to hold jobs 

involving a variable work shift. 

Emotional stress on the job 

0 There was little difference between the proportions of men and women who reported a great 

deal of emotional stress on the job. 

Occupational hazards 

l Men were twice as likely as women to report 

having jobs where they were exposed to special 

risk of accident or injury or to substances that 

could endanger their health. 

l Men were also more likely to have changed jobs 

because of concern about occupational hazards or 

dangers to their health. 

Paid leave for health reasons 

0 Men and women with less than 12 years of 

education were less likely than those with more 

education to hold jobs on which they were paid 

for sick leave or for time off for doctor visits. 

5 
Conchsions 

Summary by education 

Adults with less than 12 years of education were 

more likely than those with more than 12 years of 

education to 

Rate their health as fair or poor, 

Think they were doing a poor or only a fair job of 

taking care of their health, 

Worry about their health, 

Have difficulty with routine physical activities, 

Be dissatisfied with their overall physical condition, 

Think they were less physically active than other 

people their age, 

View themselves as having less energy than their 

peers, 

Think they had little or no control over their 

health, 

Not seea dentist, 

Not have a Pap smear or breast examination 

(among women); 

Smoke cigarettes, and 

Smoke high tar and nicotine cigarettes. 

Adults with more than 12 years of education 

were more likely than adults with the least education 

to 

0 Drink some fruit or vegetablejuice daily, 

0 Brush their teeth at least twice a day, 

l Use dental floss or water picks, 

l Use seatbelts, and 

0 Have jobs in which they were paid for sick leave 

or leave for doctor visits. 

6 

Summary by age 

Adults aged 50-64 were more likely than younger 

adults to 

i Feel they were in poor or only fair health, 

l Worry about their health, and 

l Have difficulty with routine physical activities. 

Adults aged 20-34 were more likely than older 

adults to 

l Think they were getting less exercise than they 

needed, 

l Have a Pap smear or’breast examination (among 

women), 

l Smoke cigarettes, 

0 Drink a large quantity of alcohol, especially 

among men, and 

l Drink soft drinks. 

Summary by sex 

Men were more likely than women to 

Feel there was nothing they could do to prevent 

high blood pressure, 

Have no regular source of medical care, 

Smoke cigarettes, 

Drink a large quantity of alcohol, 

Drink 5 or more cups of coffee a day, 

Have jobs with variable work shifts, 

Have hazardous jobs, and 

Have changed jobs because of concern for health. 
Women were more likely.than men to 

l Worry about their health, 

l Have difficulty with routine physical activities, 

l Consider themselvesoverweight, 

l Think they were getting less exercise than they 

needed, 

l Think they were less active than their peers, 

l Feel they had less energy than other people their 

age, 

l Have headaches, . 

l Have physical checkups, 

l Have blood pressure checks, 

l Drink fruit or vegetable juices, 

l Limit the amount of red meat in their diets for 

health reasons, 

0 Take vitamin pills or supplements, 

l Brush their teeth at least twice a day, and 

l Use dental floss or a water pick. 

“Good” and “bad” health practices of adults are 

clearly related to years of education. In contrast to 

those with more education, people who have never 

graduated from high school rate their general 

emotional and physical well-being lower and employ 

fewer preventive measures for maintaining their 

health. 

Age and sex also have some relation to health and 

health practices, although the relationship is not so 

clear nor consistent as it is with education. Adults 

aged SO-64 have more physical health problems than 

younger adults have and are more concerned about 

their health. Younger adults engagein more activities 

that are considered health deteriorating.

Men are less concerned about their’health than 

women are, and they are more likely to engage in 

activities considered to be deleterious to health. 

Women are more likely than men to view themselves as being in f@ or poor health and to worry 

about their health. A higher proportion of women 

than men practice behavior aimed at maintaming 

good health. 

7 
References 

lOftIce of the Assistant Secretary for Health and Surgeon General: Healthy People-The Surgeon General’s Report on 

Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, 1979. DHEW Pub. 

No. (PHS) 7945071. Public Health Service.Washington.U.S. 

GovernmentPrinting Office, July 1979. 

20ffice of the Assistant Secretary for Health and Surgeon General: Healthy People-The Surgeon General’s’Report on 

Health Promotion and Disease Prevention-Background 

Papers, 2979. DHEW Pub. No. (PHS) 7945071A. Public 

Health Service.Washington.U.S. GovernmentPrinting Office,

1979. 

3Breslow,&., and Enstrom, J. E.: Persistenceof health habits 

and their relationship to mortality. Rev. Med. 9:469-483,

1980. 

4Thomberry, 0. T., Jr., and Massey, J. R.: Correcting for 

UndercoverageBias in Random Digit Dialed National Health 

P 

Surveys.Paperpresentedat annual meetingof the American 

Statistical Association, San Diego, Calif., Aug. 13-17, 1978. 

kannell, C. F., and Groves,R. M.: DifferencesBetweenTelephone and PersonalInterview Data, First Report of Findings HIS/SRCTelephoneExperiment, Unpublisheddocument. 

CNational Center for Health Statistics: Health, United States,

1978. DHEW Pub. No. (PHS) 78-1232. Public Health 

Service.Washington.U.S. GovernmentPrinting Office, 1978. 

7U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare: Preventing Disease, Promoting Health-Objectives for the 

Nation-Drafts From Atlanta Conference for Review and 

Comment. Washington. U.S. Government Printing Office, 

Aug. 1979. 

8National Center for Health Statistics: Health, United States, 

1979. DHEW Pub, No. (PHS) 80-1232. Public Health 

Service.Washington.U.S. GovernmentPrinting Office, 1980. 

8 
List of detailed tables 

1. Proportion of persons 20-64 years of age reporting selected 

health characteristics, by sex, age, and education: National 

Survey of Personal Health Practices and Consequences, Wave I, 

1979 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...<.... 

2. Proportion of persons 2064 years of age reporting selected 

medical and dental care practices, by sex, age, and education: National Survey of Personal Health Practices and 

Consequences, Wave I, 1979 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

10 

13 

3. Proportion of persons 20-64 years of age reporting selected 

health practices, by sex, age, and education: National 

Survey of Personal Health Practices and Consequences, 

Wavel.1979 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 

4. Proportion of full-time currently employed persons 20-64 ’ 

years of age reporting selected health-related job characteristics, by sex, age, and education: National Survey of Personal 

Health Practices and Consequences, Wave I, 1979 . . . . . . . . . . 19 

9 
Table 1. Pro ortion of persons 20-64 years of age reporting selected health characteristics,.by sex, age, and. 

J ucation: National Survey of Personal Health Practices and Consequences, Wave I, 1979 

(Nmbers in parentheses indicate questionnaire items; see appendix III) 

Men Women 

Health characteristic 

and education All All 

ages 20-34 35-49 50-64 ages 20-34 35-49 50-64 . 20-64 years years years 20-64 years years years 

years years 

HEALl’H STA’IUS 

Poor or fair health status (1) 

Education:

Ml levels------------------ 16.5 9.2 16.4 30.4 17.3 10.9 13.5 32.3 

Less than 12 years-------- 12 years------------------

37.4 

19.3 

21.7 

13.4 

32.5 

18.8 

52.0 

31.2 

40.6 

16.7 

28.2 

11.7 

33.3 

14.5 

53.9 

29.1 

More than 12 years-------- 5.8 4.2 6.9 8.7 5.6 5.0 1.8 12.5 

Poor or fair health status 

relative to peers (53) 

Education:

All levels------------------ 15.7 11.7 17.5 20.6 17.3 15.6 13.9 24.1 

Less than 12 years-------- 12 years------------------

31.3 

16.9 

28.7 

14.4 

31.9 

15.6 

32.4 

23.5 

35.4 

16.2 

33.8 

16.0 

29.0 

13.4 

41.0 

20.3 

More than 12 years-------- 8.3 6.7 11.8 6.5 8.9 9.8 6.5 10.2 

At least some worry over 

health in past year (51) 

Education:

Ml levels------------------ 27.0 26.1 24.3 32.5 32.9 29.9 31.3 39.8 

Less than 12 years-------- 12 years------------------

34.3 

27.8 

35.7 

25.6 

28.9 

28.0 

38.5 

31.8 

42.2 

30.6 

32.8 

29.0 

39.6 

30.0 

50.2 

34.4 

More than 12 years-------- 23.3 24.4 19.4 27.2 30.6 30.0 28.4 35.1 

CONTROLOVERHEALlH 

Feel little or no control 

over health (52) 

Education:

ml levels------------------ 10.4 11.8 14.8 11.1 

Less than 12 years-------- 12 years------------------

18.7 

12.6 

12:; 18.7 

13.2 

21.8 

18.2 

1::; 14.0 

14.1 

More than 12 years-------- 5.4 i::: 7.5 4.9 E 4.2 

Feel they cannot help prevent

high blood pressure (58)’ 

Education: Ml levels------------------ 12.5 10.5 11.7 17.3 10.6 

Less than 12 years-------- 12 years------------------24.7 

14.6 

20.4 

15.9 

23.5 

11.9 

29.1 

16.3 

1:::: 

10.4 

11.9 

13.6 

More than 12 years-------- 6.5 5.9 6.6 8.1 6.0 5.2 

See footnote at end of table. 

10 
’ 

. 

Table 1. Proportion of persons 20-64 years of age reporting selected health characteristics, by sex, age, and 

education: National Survey of Personal Health Practices and Consequences,WaveI, 1979--Con. 

(Numbersin parentheses indicate questionnaire items; see appendix III) ., 

Men' Women 

Health characteristic 

and education All All 

ages 20-34 35-49 50-64 ages 20-34 35-49 50-64 

20-64 years years years 20-64 years years years 

years years 

PHYSICALCONDITION 

Consider themselves ' f overweight (14) 

Education: JJl levels------------------ 34.4 25.7 40.8 41.8 50.3 43.2 56.7 54.7' 

Less than 12 years-------- 31.5 20.0 35.5 35.2 56.1 44.6 62.8 59.0 

12 years------------------ 35.8 28.1 42.8 40.0 52.9 48.8 56.4 56.2 

More than 12 years-------- 34.8 25.5 41.9 50.0 44.3 37.3 53.7 47.9 

Difficulty with routine 

physical activities (62) 

Education: M l levels------------------ 14.4 13.0 27.2 25.5 17.1 23.7 41.8 

Less than 12 years-------- 25.9 2::: 18.7 35.8 38.0 28.2 29.0 50.9

12 years------------------ 16.2 9.7 14.8 30.6 24.3 17.4 25.3 36.5 

More than 12 years-------- 8.5 5.8 9.0 15.8 20.1 13.5 18.9 38.5 

Somewhator very dissatisfied 

with physical condition (49) 

Education: M l levels------------------ 16.7 14.7 19.7 15.9 19.5 20.5 19.0 18.4 

Less than 12 years-------- 2325 29.6 19.9 22.9 30.1 28.2 33.8 28.7

12 years------------------ 15.4 12.2 18.8 16.5 23.3 19.4 13.8 

More than 12 years-------- 14.6 13.2 20.2 8.7 E 15.5 10.6 12.8 

Somewhator much less 

energy than peers (54)l 

Education: M l levels------------------ 14.6 11.0 16.'9 18.5 24.7 26.9 21.0 25.1 

Less than 12 years-------- 26.8 17.9 29.3 30.4 35.6 38.9 27.4 39.4 

12 years------------------ 15.3 11.0 16.7 21.3 23.0 26.9 19.8 19.4 

More than.12 years-------- 9.2 9.6 11.0 4.5 20.7 23.4 18.9 16.3 

Somewhator much less physically active than peers (45)b 

Education: M l levels------------------ 20.4 17.6 23.8 20.8 30.7 36.4 26.3 26.4 

Less than 12 years-------- 28.3 23.5 27.7 31.8 36.4 39.0 31.4 38.2 

12 years------------------ 20.4 19.1 22.8 19.4 31.2 39.2 25.8 23.2 

More than 12 years-------- 17.1 15.6 22.5 11.4 27.2 32.9 24.3 17.4 

See footnote at end of table. 

11 

i 
Table 1. Proportion of persons 20-64 years of age reporting selected health characteristics, by sex, age, and 

education: National Survey of Personal Health Practices and Consequences, Wave I, 1979--Con. 

(Nwnbers in parentheses indicate questionnaire items; see appendix III) 

Men Women 

Health characteristic 

and education All All 

ages 20-34 35-49 50-64 ages 20-34 35-49 50-64 

20-64 years years years 20-64 years years years 

years years 

-

PHYSICfU CONDITION--Con. 

3 colds or more in 

past year (6O)r 

Education:

Ml levels------------------ 11.6 14.3 9.4 9.6 12.2 18.2 7.7 7.4 

Less than 12 years-------- ‘12 years------------------

12.9 

12.8 

15.7 

14.7 

10.2 

11.6 

13.6 

11.2 

12.0 

11.5 

21.5 

18.1 

7.9 8.3 

More than 12 years-------- 10.2 13.8 7.3 4.4 13.2 17.4 ::: 5:: 

Headaches at least once 

a week (61) 

Education: Ml levels------------------ 10.1 10.8 9.8 9.2 21.6 26.4 18.7 16.9 

Less than 12 years-------- 12 years------------------

13.5 

10.9 

13.9 

11.9 

13.9 

10.4 

12.8 

10.0 

26.3 

21.2 

38.5 

26.1 

21.3 

17.4 

21.8 

16.8 

More than 12 years-------- 8.1 9.5 7.5 4.9 19.6 23.2 18.9 11.7 

CARJZOFHEAL’IH 

Exercise less than 

needed (48)’ 

Education: ml levels------------------ 53.4 56.1 57.7 41.9 62.7 65.8 64.0 55.8 

Less than 12 years-------- 12 years------------------44.1 

50.0 

58.3 

47.5 

41.1 

60.8 

37.6 

38.1 

59.3 

61.6 

67.7 

65.0 

62.7 

61.6 

51.2 

54.7 

More than 12 years-------- 59.6 60.6 63.3 49.5 65.6 66.0 67.4 62.2 

Poor or fair care of own 

health (44) 

Education:

Ml levels------------------ 33.7 34.3 33.3 33.0 31.2 32.4 31.9 28.2 

Less than 12 years-------- 42.6 43.5 41.6 43.0 44.7 50.8 44.0 41.3

12 years------------------ 35.9 40.0 34.4 30.6 32.0 34.8 33.3 25.0 

More than 12 years-------- 28.4 29.2 28.6 25.5 23.0 24.7 23.8 17.7 

4 

1Excludes unknowns. 

NOTE: To determine sampling errors, see tables I and II in appendix I. For combining cells, see population 

bases in table III. 

12 
Table. 2. Proportion of persons 20-64 years of age reporting selected medical and dental care practices, by sex, 

age, and education: National Survey of Personal Health Practices and Consequences, Wave I, 1979 

(Nunbers in parentheses indicate questionnaire items; see appendix III) 

. 

Men Women 

Medical or dental care 

practice and education All All 

ages 20-34 35-49 SO-64 ages 20-34 35-49 SO-64 

20-64 years years years 20-64 years years years 

years Y-l-S . 

No regular source of 

medical care (55) 

Education: Ml levels------------------ 21.9 24.5 21.3 17.8 10.5 7.7 

Less than 12 years-------- 12 years------------------

22.2 

19.6 

27.0 

23.8 

21.1 

18.8 

20.1 

12.9 

iF4 

819 

12.8 10.6 

More than 12 years-------- 23.3 24.4 23.1 20.1 9.7 1::: 1::: 

No general physical examination in past year (20)’ 

Ml levels------------------ 62.5 65.4 62.9 56.5 49.3 47.3 51.4 50.3 

Less than 12 years-------- 12 years------------------

64.1 

63.9 

59.3 

68.2 

72.5 

57.7 

59.4 

65.0 

53.9 

50.1 

49.7 

46.2 

54.9 

54.3 

56.1 

52.1 

More than 12 years-------- 61.0 65.0 62.2 45.8 46.1 47.6 46.3 41.8 

No eye examination in 

past year (19)’ 

Education: Ml levels------------------ 63.3 65.6 60.1 63.6 60.8 64.0 61.7 54.3 

Less than 12 years-------- 12 years------------------

58.2 

68.3 

59.1 

69.5 

52.1 

68.4 

63.1 

65.9 

62.8 

61.5 

68.9 

64.8 

64.7 

61.5 

* 57.2 

55.1 

More than 12 years-------- 62.1 64.7 57.8 62.0 59.0 61.8 60.3 50.2 

No dental examination 

in past year (151 

Education:

&l levels------------------ 43.1 38.6 45.5 48.0 36.2 33.2 34.6 43.0 

Less than 12 years-------- 12 years------------------

67.8 

47.2 

55.7 

45.0 

74.7 

50.8 

69.3 

45.9 

58.7 

34.3 

57.9 

32.5 

49.8 

34.8 

65.5 

37.4 

More than 12 years-------- 30.0 31.6 27.7 29.3 26.3 26.7 26.4 25.3 

Education: 

No blood pressure check in 

past year(23) 

Education: fil levels------------------ 24.4 28.9 21.7 19.9 16.4 15.7 20.1 13.3 

Less than 12 years-------- 23.5 26.1 27.7 17.9 19.4 20.0 25.6 14.7 12 years------------------ 24.1 28.8 22.0 18.2 16.6 15.4 21.4 12.6 

More than 12 years-------- 25.0 29.5 18.5 23.4 14.6 14.7 15.8 12.5 

See footnote at end of table. 

\ 

13 

. . . ., r ‘_ . . ..._. .‘, 
Table 2. Pro ortion of persons 20-64 years of age reporting selected medical and dental care practices, by sex, 

age, anB education: National Survey of Personal Health Practices and Consequences, Wave I, 1979--Con. 

(Nwnbers in parentheses indicate questionnaire items; see appendix III) 

Medical or dental care 

practice and education All 

ages

20-64 

years 

No Pap smear test 

in past year (24) 

Education: 

All levels------------------ . . . Less than 12 years-------- . . . 12 years------------------ . . . More than 12 years-------- . . . 

No breast examination 

in past year (25) 

‘Education: 

All levels------------------ . . . 

Less than 12 years-------- . . . 12 years------------------ . . . 

More than 12 years-------- . . . 

1Excludes unknowns. 

Men Women 

All 

20-34 35-49 

years years 

* SO-64 

years 

ages

20-64 

20-34 35-49 

years years 

SO-64 

years 

’ 

years 

. . . . . . . . . 40.0 3l.2 44.1 49.9 

. . . . . . . . . 54.0 47.7 53.1 58.7 . . . . . . . . . 39.0 28.8 45.4 50.0 

. . . . . . . . . 3317 28.8 37.7 40.0 

. . . . . . . . . 37.0 31.0 40.9 42.3 

. . . . . . . . . 47.9 44.1 51.7 47.8 

. . . . . . . . . 38.4 31.3 42.3 47.1 

. . . . . . . . . 29.6 27.0 33.6 30.2 

NOTE: To determine sampling errors, see tables I and II in appendix I. For combining cells, see population

bases in table III. 

14 
Table 3. Proportion of persons 20-64 years of age reporting selected health practices, by sex, age, and 

education: National Survey of Personal Health Practices and,Consequences,Wave I, 1979 

(Nunbers in parentheses indicate questionnaire items; see appendix III) 

Men Women 

Health practice and education All All , I ages 20-34 35-49 50-64 ages 20-34 35-49 50-64 

20-64 years, years years 20-64 years years years 

years years 

CICARHITE%OKING 

Smokedat least 100 

cigarettes in lifetime (26) 

Education: ml levels------------------

Less than 12 years-------- 12 years------------------

More than 12 years--------

Currently smoke 

cigarettes (27) 

Education: Ml levels------------------

Less than 12 years-------- 12 years------------------

More than 12 years--------

Smoke25 cigarettes or 

more a day (31)’ 

Education: ml levels------------------

Less than 12 years-------- 12 years------------------

More than 12 years--------

Think the cigarettes they currently smokehave high tar 

and nicotine levels (32)ls* 

’Education: Ml levels------------------

Less than 12 years-------- 12 years------------------

More than 12 years--------

Have not tried to quit

smoking in past 2 years (35)’ 

Pducation: JJl levels------------------

Less than 12 years-------- 12 years------------------

More than 12 years--------

See footnotes at end of table. 

66.2 56.3 75.6 71.5 49.4 46.1 53.1 50.6 

83.0 89.6 87.3 74.9 56.4 64.1 52.7 53.9 

67.6 61.9 72.4 71.2 47.2 44.5 50.9 47.6 

58.2 46.4 72.3 68.5 48.0 42.4 55.8 50.6 

38.8 37.1 43.2 36.0 32.9 32.0 36.9 30.0 

57.4 76.5 59.6 43.0 41.2 53.3 43.0 31.7 

39.9 42.2 41.6 32.9 .31.9 31.6 35.9 27.1 

30.4 26.2 36.4 32.1 29.8 26.1 34.9 31.7 

39.8 26.1 51.1 46.9 22.4 16.6 25.3 28.6 

36.4 13.6 55.6 37.7 28.0 26.0 30.3 28.0 

38.6 31.9 38.5 55.4 21.9 15.9 27.6 25.0 

43.4 28.2 57.9 50.8 18.9 11.6 19.3 33.3 

30.7 32.0 25.5 37.0 15.7 21.0 12.5 10.5 

32.3 33.0 21.7 45.3 18.6 33.0 8.6 11.3 

29.8 26.7 35.1 27.8 16.1 19.8 15.3 

30.2 36.1 20.5 36.4 13.2 15.4 11.3 11.7 

54.6 43.3 60.5 66.7 46.1 41.4 51.7 46.5 

49.6 45.5 48.5 55.8 38.8 38.5 40.4 37.6 

55.3 41.5 62.5 75.0 50.9 46.9 50.9 59.8 

58.1 43.6 68.3 72.9 45.8 36.6 60.0 41.7 

15 

8.6 
Table 3. Proportion of persons 20-64 years of age reporting selected health practices, by sex, age, and 

education: National Survey of Personal Health Practices and Consequences,Wave I, 1979--Con. 

(Numbersin parentheses indicate questionnaire items; see appendix III) 

Men Women 

Health practice and education All All 

ages 20-34 35-49 SO-64 ages 20-34 3549 SO-64 

20-64 years years years 20-64 years years years 

years years 

EATINGANDDRINKING 

Drink a large quantity of alcohol (39, 40j3 

Education: AJl levels------------------ 19.2 24.2 16.6 13.5 3.2 4.2 2.1 2.8 

Less than 12 years-------- 12 years------------------23.0 

19.6 

32.7 

24.8 

22.6 

19.3 

16.8 4.4 

2.9 

9.4 

3.6 

.l.O 

2.9 

3.4 

More than 12 years-------- 17.4 22.1 11.8 1::; 3.0 3.4 1.8 5:; 

Rarely or never eat 

breakfast (2) 

Education: Ml levels------------------ 26.1 29.1 26.1 20.5 24.3 28.3 24.8 17.0 

Less than 12 years-------- 12 years------------------

25.7 

25.1 

27.0 

25.3 

31.3 

27.2 

19.6 

21.8 

28.2 

26.1 

34.9 

31.6 

27.5 

27.8 

24.2 

13.5 

More than 12 years-------- 26.9 31.6 22.8 20.1 20.2 23.0 19.9 13.6 

Drink 5 or more cups of 

coffee daily (3) 

. 

Education: Ml levels------------------ 23.5 14.9 31.5 28.3 17.0 10.2 23.0 21.3 

Less than 12 years-------- 27.4 21.7 31.3 27.4 19.4 15.4 24.6 18.4

12 years------------------ 23.2 13.8 30.0 31.2 17.6 25.8 22.4 

More than 12 years-------- 22.1 14.2 32.7 26.6 14.9 E 18.9 23.0 

Drink less than 1 glass of 

fruit or vegetable juice daily (3) 

Education: Ml levels------------------ 43.7 43.8 44.9 41.7 36.4 39.4 36.5 31.1 

Less than 12 years-------- 52.6 60.9 55.4 44.7 43.0 52.3 44.0 36.2

12 years------------------ 49.7 50.3 48.4 50.6 39.4 44.8 37.2 32.1 

More than 12 years-------- 35.9 36.7 37.3 30.4 29.5 30.3 31.8 24.2 

Drink less than 1 lass of 

water daily P3) 

Education: ml levels------------------ 9.5 10.3 8.5 9.4 10.5 11.6 10.1 

Less than 12 years-------- 13.4 12.2 16.4 1::: 

12 years------------------ 1::: 5.9 10.8 13.0 1::: 6.5 

More than 12 years-------- 10.5 8.7. 9.2 8.9 10.6 7.9 

See footnotes at end of table. 
Table 3. Proportion of persons 20-64 years of age reporting selected health practices, by sex, age, and 

education: National Survey of Personal Health Practices and Consequences,Wave I, 1979--Con. 

(Numbersin parentheses indicate questionnaire items; see appendix 1113 

Men Women 

Health practice

and education All All 

ages 20-34 35-49 SO-64 ages 20-34 35-49 SO-64 

20-64 years years years 20-64 years years years 

years years 

RATINGANDDRINKING--Con. 

Drink soft drinks in any quantity daily (3) 

Education: ml levels------------------ 74.5 79.7 73.0 66.8 71.9 80.3 67.0 63.6 

Less than 12 years-------- 74.1 85.2 77.7 63.7 69.8 81.0 66.7 64.5 

12 years------------------ 75.0 85.6 65.2 69.4 73.0 83.1 65.6 63.5 

More than 12 years-------- 74.2 75.2 76.3 67.4 71.8 77.3 68.7 62.6 

Make no effort to limit 

red meat consumption (4) 

Education: Ml levels-----------------; 80.5 81.1 80.1 80.1 70.5 71.6 72.4 66.5 

Less than 12 years-------- 82.4 83.5 81.3 82.7 74.4 82.6 77.8 66.6 

12 years------------------ 84.5 86.3 82.8 83.5 74.8 78.5 73.3 69.7 

More than 12 years-------- 77.1 77.7I 77.5 74.5 63.7 61.5 68.5 62.3 

Do not take vitamin 

supplements (51 

Education: ml levels------------------ 57.6 56.9 57.1 59.7 42.1 39.2 44.0 44.8 

Less than 12 years-------- 60.9 57.4 63.3 60.9 49.2 42.6 48.8 53.9 

12 years------------------ 61.9 58.4 60.4 70.6 39.9 35.8 44.9 41.2 

More than 12 years-------- 53.3 55.9 51.7 48.4 40.7 41.5 40.3 39.2 

SLEEPING 

Average fewer than 7 hours 

of sleep a night (6) 

Education: )Jl levels------------------ 23.9 22.3 26.4 23.5 19.3 17.3 18.6 23.6 

Less than 12 years-------- 27.2 25.2 31.9 24.0 24.7 23.6 24.2 25.9 

12 years------------------ 23.0 24.7 22.4 20.6 18.4 17.2 18.7 20.3 

More than 12 years-------- 23.2 20.4 26.6 25.5 17.5 15.5 15.5 25.3 

Average fewer than 7 or 

more than 8 hours of 

sleep a night (6) 

Education: AJl levels------------------ 32.6 31.4 32.9 34.5 31.4 33.6 26.3 33.7 

Less than 12 years-------- 40.9 36.5 46.4 38.5 38.8 45.6 30.9 39.9 

12 years------------------ 31.9 34.4 27.6 33.5 32.2 35.8 27.8 31.2 

More than 12 years-------- 29.7 28.6 30.3 31.5 26.7 27.9 22.2 30.2 

See footnotes at end of table. 

17 
Table 3. Proportion of persons 20-64 years of age reporting selected health practices, by sex, age, and 

education: National Survey of Personal Health Practices and Consequences,Wave I, 1979--Con. 

(Nmbers in parentheses indicate questionnaire items; see appendix III) 

Health practice and education 

CAREOFTEEZH 

Brush teeth less than twice 

, a day (17)*j4 

Education: Ml levels------------------

Less than 12 years-------- 12 years------------------

More than 12 years--------

Never floss teeth (18)*j4 

Education: ml levels,------------------

Less than 12 years-------- 12 years------------------

More than 12 years--------

USEOF SEATBELTS 

Never use seatbelts (43) 

Education:

&Jl levels------------------

Less than 12 years-------- 12 years------------------

More than 12 years--------

Seldom or never use 

seatbelts (43) 

Education:

Ml levers------------------

Less than 12 years-------- 12 years------------------

More than 12 years--------

Men Women 

All All 

ages

20-64 

20-34 35-49 

years years 

50-64 

years 

ages

20-64 

20-34 35-49 

years years 

SO-64 

years 

years years 

48.7 43.2 52.9 54.0 24.5 25.6 23.1 24.3 

66.1 56.5 73.1 66.0 37.8 35.4 41.0 37.0 

52.0 46.1 58.1 54.8 25.3 29.1 22.5 20.9 

39.8 38.8 39.8 42.9 17.9 19.2 15.1 18.4 

52.1 48.9 52.1 59.3 37.8 35.9 39.7 39.2 

71.0 55.7 75.6 78.2 62.5 57.4 65.9 64.1 

60.3 57.4 64.0 60.3 37.2 36.2 40.0 34.9 

39.3 42.7 32.4 42.2 26.9 29.2 25.4 23.1 

48.5 50.4 44.6 50.3 47.5 51.6 45.8 42.7 

57.2 62.6 43.4 66.5 58.3 64.6 58.9 53.6 

53.1 58.4 50.8 46.5 52.5 59.6 50.2 41.8 

41.7 43.4 40.8 38.0 36.3 39.7 33.6 31.7 

‘a 

66.6 67.0 64.6 68.5 65.1 69.6 64.1 58.8 

74.8 79.1 70.5 76.0 72.4 84.6 70.0 65.9 

69.7 73.8 65.2 68.8 70.9 75.9 70.0 62.4 

61.0 60.8 61.3 60.9 55.0 58.9 54.0 46.4 

lPercents calculated on the basis of current smokers; see table II in appendix I. 

*Excludes unknowns. 

3”Large quantity” is defined here as drinking 5 drinks or more in a day at least once a week or drinking 3 drinks on a daily basis. Whenthe response is given as a range (for example, 2-3 drinks 6-7 times a 

week) the number is rounded up. 4Percents calculated on the basis of persons with natural teeth; see table II in appendix I. 

NOTE: To determine sampling errors> see tables I and 11 in appendix I. For combining cells, see population bases in table III. 

18 
Table 4. Proportion of full-time currently employed persons 20-64 years of age reporting selected healthrelated job characteristics, by sex, age, and education: National Survey of Personal-Health Practices 

and Consequences,Wave I, 1979 

(Numbers in parentheses indicate questionnaire items; see appendix III) 

Men Women 

Job characteristic 

and education All All 

ages 20-34 35-49 SO-64 ages 20-34 35-49 50-64 

20-64 years years years 20-64 years years years 

years years 

OCCUPATIONAL SlRESS 

Great deal of emotional 

stress'on the job (1091r 

Education: Ml levels------------------ 26.5 24.5 31.6 21.8 22.9 21.1 27.8 20.5 

Less than 12 years-------- 12 years------------------18.4 

21.8 

18.8 

19.6 

19.9 

24.9 

16.2 

21.0 

22.4 

19.7 

35.7 

15.8 

14.3 

25.4 

16.2 

21.1 

More than 12 years-------- 32.6 28.5 41.2 26.6 26.2 23.0 34.4 22.4 

Variable work shift (107)l 

Education: Ml levels------------------ 26.9 27.2 28.4 23.9 15.5 17.3 14.9 11.7 

Less than 12 years-------- 12 years------------------

28.0 

27.2 

29.7 

26.8 

30.1 

27.8 

23.9 

26.9 

22.4 

14.9 

20.0 

17.1 

25.4 

12.4 

22.1 

13.0 

More than 12 years-------- 26.4 26.8 28.1 21.5 13.9 16.9 13.8 3.7 

OCCUPATIONAL HAZARDS 

Exposed to special risk of accident 

or injury on the job (110)' 

Education: Ml levels------------------ 50.5 56.2 46.3 45.4 24.1 28.5 21.2 17.4 

Less than 12 years-------- 12 years------------------

55.6 

57.6 

69.3 

60.9 

53.7 

54.9 

46.2 

55.5 

31.8 

20.2 

38.6 

22.0 

30.2 

15.7 

26.5 

22.0 

More than 12 years-------- 43.9 50.7 37.3 37.3 25.6 32.2 23.6 6.5 

Changedjobs because of 

health hazards (lll)l 

Education: ml levels------------------ 11.1 15.5 4.8 5.9 7.4 4.5 4.0 

Less than 12 years-------- 11.6 23.8 i-i 4.3 4.5 2.9 11.1 0.0 12 years------------------ 10.4 12.7 11:4 3.4 10.2 

More than 12 years-------- 11.4 15.3 8.4 6.3 ::t 5.7 ;:!i i:; 

PAIDSICKLEAVE 

No paid leave when ill (105)2p3 

Education: Ml levels------------------ 22.9 26.2 18.5 22.9 21.8 24.7 18.7 18.8 

Less than 12 years-------- 32.2 32.3 32.1 32.2 36.4 47.8 32.1 28.1

12 years------------------ 26.6 33.6 22.9 14.8 19.9 21.4 17.1 20.0 

More than 12 years-------- 16.9 20.3 9.8 21.6 19.1 23.1 15.8 11.2 

See footnotes at end of table. 

19 
Table 4. Proportion of full-time currently employed persons 20-64 years of age reporting selected healthrelated job characteristics, by sex, age, and education: National Survey of Personal Health Practices 

< and Consequences,Wave I, 1979--Con. 

(Numbersin parentheses indicate questionnaire items; see appendix III) 

Men Women 

Job characteristic 

and education All All 

ages 20-34 35-49 50-64 ages 20-34 35-49 SO-64 

20-64 years years years 20-64 years years years 

years years 

PAID SICK LEAVE--Con. 

No paid leave for doctor 

visits (106)2p3 

Education: 

Ml levels------------------ 39.1 42.7 34.8 37.7 45.8 46.3 43.4 48.1 

Less than 12 years--------

12 years------------------

53.4 

46.2 

61.5 

49.8 

45.0 

45.4 

54.9 

37.5 

69.7 

45.0 , 76.1 48.1 

60.7 

40.9 

70.8 

42.6 

More than 12 years-------- 28.8 34.1 23.1 21.6 39.3 38.8 40.2 39.2 

IPercents calculated on the basis of full-time employed persons; see table II in appendix I. 

2Percents calculated on the basis of full-time employed persons excluding self-employed; see table II in 

appendix I. 

3Excludes unknowns. 

NOTE: To determine sampling errors, see tables I and II in appendix I. For combining cells, see population

bases in table III. 

20 
Appendixes 

Contents 

I. Technical notes on methods ............................................................. 22 

Background of this report ............................................................. 22 

Statistical design of the survey .................................................... ; ..... 22 

General qualifications ................................................................ 23 

Sex ratio of the sample ............................................................... 23 

Reliability of estimates ............................................................... 24 

II. Definitions of certain terms used in this report ................................................ 27 

Termsrelatingtohealth ........................ i .......... .:. .;:. .................. .; 27 

Demographicterms ................................................... il.:.. .... . ........ 27 

I I I. Questionnaire used to determine health practices and consequences . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 

List of appendix tables 

I. Standard errors, expressed in percentage points, of estimated percents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 

II. Number of respondents 20-64 years of age, by sex, age, selected characteristics, and education: National Survey of 

Personal Health Practices and Consequences, Wave I, 1979 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 

Ill. Population bases for percents shown in tables 1-4, by sex, age, selected characteristics, and education: National Survey 

of Personal Health Practices and Consequences, Wave I, 1979 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 

21 
Appendix I. Technical notes 

Background of this report 

This report is one of a series of statistical reports 

prepared by the National Center for Health Statistics 

(NCHS) based on information collected in a telephone survey, the National Survey of Personal Health 

Practices and Consequences. This survey was undertaken as part of the “prevention initiative” of the 

Department of Health, Education, and Welfare (now 

‘the Department of Health and Human Services). The 

hrimary goal of this survey was to provide data that 

allow analysis of the interrelationships between 

health practices and health Status. 

The data in this report were collected in the 

spring of 1979 by Chilton Research Services of 

Radnor, Pa., under contract with the National Center 

for Health Statistics. A number of survey questions 

were asked that would permit the data collection 

service to maintain contact with respondents for 

potential followups. It is anticipated that the interview data on personal health behavior and reported 

illness will be checked against future records of the’ 

Natibnal Death Index, presently being developed by

the National Center for Health Statistics. Discussion 

of survey methods is based entirely on information 

provided to NCHS by Chilton Research Services. 

Statistical design of the survey 

General plan.-The target population for the 

National Survey of Personal Health Practices and 

Consequences, Wave I, was all persons aged 20-64 

years residing in the conterminous United States in 

households with a telephone. The survey questions 

’were asked over the telephone in interviews lasting

about % hour each. This method has two distinct 

advantages over conventional face-to-face interdewing: it results in speedier data collection, and it 

reduces interviewer variance by allowing ongoing 

monitoring of interview quality. The principal disadvantage of the telephone method is undercoverage; 

preliminary findings from the 1979 National Health 

Interview Survey indicate that about 7 percent of 

U.S. households did not have a telephone. 

Detailed analysis of 1976 National Health Interview Survey data revealed that while persons residing 

in households without a telephone were disproportionately low income, differences in socio- 1 

demographic and health characteristics between the 

population with a telephone and the total population 

were, on the whole, small.4 According to a study 

currently being conducted for the National Center for 

Health Statistics by the Survey Research Center of 

the University of Michigan, the quality of data 

obtained using the telephone method generally ap- * 

pears to be comparable to that obtained using the 

personal interview method.5 

Survey design.-The sampling plan of the survey 

was a three-stage stratified cluster design. In the first 

stage of the design, each county and its associated 

telephone exchanges were assigned to 1 of 18 

sampling strata by region and metropolitan-nonmetropolitan status. Telephone exchanges were 

randomly selected in such a way that each exchange 

had an equal probability of selection. 

In stage II a random sample of telephone households was selected from each sample telephone 

exchange identified in stage I. Household telephone 

numbers were selected in proportion to the number 

of households served by each exchange.. Approximately 70 percent of the nonworking and nonr&idential numbers were identified and eliminated from 

the sample during the process of sample selection. 

Data from the U.S. Bureau of the Censusindicate 

that about 17 percent of all households have no 

members in the age group eligible for this survey

(20-64 years). The initial sample, therefore, was 

increased to allow for the screening out of ineligible 

households. 

Stage III of the sample design consisted of 

. NOTE: A list of references follows the text. 

22 
I . . 

. -., 

selecting one sample respondent from each eligible

household selected in stage II. At the time of initial 

contact with a household, the interviewer listed the 

age and sex of all eligible respondents and chose the 

sample personusing a random selection procedure. 

A more detailed description of the methods used 

in this survey is available on request from the 

National Center for Health Statistics. 

Collection of data.-Field operations for the 

survey were performed under specifications established by the National Center for Health Statistics 

(NCHS). Chilton Research Servicesparticipated in the 

survey planning, selected the sample, and conducted 

the telephone interviews as an agent of NCHS. The 

data were coded and edited by Chilton Research 

Servicesand tabulated by NCHS. 

Estimation procedures.-In the first’ two stagesof 

the sample design, each telephone exchange and 

telephone household had a known and equal probability of selection. In the third stage, because only 

one respondent was selected per household, * the 

probability of selection of an individual depended on 

the composition of the household. In a two-person 

household the probability was 1:2; in a three-person 

household, the probability was 1:‘3; and so forth. For 

the purposes of estimation, each respondent’s answers 

were weighted by the inverse of his or her overall 

probability of selection. 

General qualifications 

The in teruiew process.-The statistics presented in 

this report are based on replies obtained in telephone

interviews with selected respondents in sample households. Self-reporting was required for all items. If the 

designated respondent was not at home at the time of 

initial contact with the household, the interviewer 

asked when the individual would be home and called 

back at that time to conduct the interview. 

Nonresponse.-Chilton Research Servicesreported 

a response rate of approximately 81 percent. Calculation of response rates in telephone surveys cannot 

be precise. It is often impossible to determine the 

eligibility of persons residing in telephone households 

where no answer is obtained after repeated attempts 

to reach the household or where a refusal is obtained 

prior to gathering any information about household 

composition. 

A minimum of five attempts were made to reach 

each sample household. Prior to the interviewing 

phase of the study, a subset of the original sample

had been designated as eligible for nonresponse 

followup. Followup consisted of as many as five 

additional attempts to reach a sample person. For 

each “no answer” or “busy” response to the followup, the sample telephone number was checked 

through the telephone company to determine if it 

was a working residential number. This enabled 

, - :-- _:._:* 

Chilton Research Servicesto make an overall estimate 

of the number of households remaining unidentified 

and to place an upper limit on potential bias resulting 

from nonresponse. 

. .. . Sex ratio of the sample . 

Of the respondents to the National Survey of 

Personal Health Practices and Consequences, 40 

percent were men and 60 percent were women, a sex 

ratio of 66.5. This sex ratio is appreciably lower than 

the national sex ratio for adults residing in households with telephones-91.1. No attempt has been 

made in the estimation procedures to poststratify the 

sample weights by sex or otherwise adjust the sample

weights for this sex ratio differential. If estimates for 

most items were made for both sexes, the estimates 

would be appreciably biased in the direction of each 

item’s distribution for females. Therefore, the data 

for the category “both sexes” are not shown. By the 

same token, given the substantive importance of 

analyzing health practices separately for men and 

women, data are shown separately in this report for 

each of these subpopulations. 

In order to assesswhether the sexratio of survey 

respondents biased the distribution of other sociodemographic characteristics of male and female respondents, the demographic characteristics of respondents to the National Survey of Personal Health 

Practices and Consequences were compared with the 

characteristics of respondents to the National Health 

Interview Survey residing in households with telephones. The National Health Interview Survey is an 

ongoing survey that collects data on approximately 

110,000 people over the course of the year and 

attains a response rate of about 96 percent, using

face-to-face interviewing. Data for males and females 

in ’the two samples were compared in terms of 

income, education, race, marital status, and employment status. Even though the sex ratio of 

respondents to the National Survey of Personal 

Health Practices and Consequences was lower than 

that of respondents to the National Health Interview 

Survey, it was found to produce no appreciable bias 

in the distribution of respondents with respect to 

race, marital status, and employment status. 

The percent of respondents reporting 13-15 years 

of schooling was significantly greater in the National 

Survey of Personal Health Practices and Consequences than in the National He’alth Interview Survey. By contrast, the percent of respondents m the 

highest income group ($25,000 or more a year) was 

lower. 

In general, camp-arisen of respondents to both 

surveys in terms of demographic characteristics 

indicates that, when the data are analyzed separately 

for males and females, the lower sex ratio of 

respondents to the National Survey of Personal 
Health Practices and Consequences had little appreciable effect on the distribution of other selected 

sociodemographic characteristics. 

Reliability of estima tes 

Since the estimates shown are based on a sample 

rather than on the entire population, they are subject 

to sampling variability. The standard error is a 

measure of sampling variability, that is, the variation 

that occurs by chance because only a sample of the 

population is surveyed. The chancesare about 68 out 

of 100 that an estimate’from the sample will differ 

from a complete census by less than the standard 

error. The chances are about 95 out of 100 that the 

difference will be less than twice the standard error 

and about 99 out of 100 that it will be less than 2% 

times as large. 

The approximate standard errors for estimates of 

proportions appearing in detailed tables l-4 may be 

found in table I. The standard errors incorporate a 

design effect of 1.2, reflecting the combined influences of stratification, cluster sampling, and the 

weighting due to random selection of respondents 

within households. 

Table II presents the unweighted frequencies for 

all sample persons and for each subgroup on which 

calculations in this report are based. Unless otherwise 

specified, distributions are based on all sample 

persons. In instances where a special subgroup (for 

example, current smokers) is analyzed the group is 

identified in a footnote to the table. The population

bases used in the calculation of percents found in 

detailed tables l-4 are presented in table III. 

Table I. Standard errors, eqressed in percgntage points, of estimated percents 

Estimated percent 

Base of percent 5 10 20 30 40 

50 

SO-------------------

1()(+--------------

300-----------------­

@-JO---------------­

go&---------------­

1,2()()---------L----

1,500---------------­

1,80(+-e-------

or or or or or 

95 90 80 70 60 

3.4 4.6 6.1 7.0 7.6 7.7 

2.4 3.3 4.4 ~ 5.0 5.4 5.5 

1.3 1.9 2.5 2.9 3.0 3.1 

0.9 1.3 1.8 2.0 2.1 2.2 

0.8 1.1 1.4 1.7 1.7 1.8 

;:; 

0:5 

it; 

0.7 

?I 

1:o 

1.4 

1.2 

1.1 

1.5 

1.3, 

1.1 

1.6 

1.4 

1.2 

24 
--- 

-- 

---- 

-- 

- Table II. Numberof respondents 20-64 years of age, by sex, age, selected characteristics, and education: 

National Survey of Personal Health Practices and Consequences,Wave I, 1979 

Men men . 

Characteristic 

and education All All 

ages 20-34 35-49 SO-64 ages 20-34 35-49 SO-64 

20-64 years years years 20-64 years years years 

years years 

All persons 

Education: 

All levels ----I 1,171 516 380 275 1,854 786 537 531 

Less than 12 years------ 233 58 80 95 396 102 107 187 

More than 12 years--- 561 290 176 95 690 345 200 145 

Currerit smokers 

Education: 

All levels--------

Less than 12 years----- 12 years----------

470 

133 

156 

198 

43 

74 

169 

48 

52 

103 

42 

30 

625 

160 

253 

258 

54 

110 

207 

48 

89 

160 

58 

54 

12 yeas---------- 377 168 124 85 768 339 230 199 

More than 12 years--- 181 81 69 31 212 94 70 48 

Pull-time currently employed 

persons 

Education: 

All levels-----

Less than 12 years----

990 

173 

443 

51 

352 

65 

195 

57 

822 

115 

392 

35 

245 

36 

185 

44 

12 years 323 146 118 59 340 162 101 77 

More than 12 years 494 246 169 79 367 195 108 64 

Currently employed persons excluding self-employed 

Education: 

All levels-------- 812 392 282 138 .757 367 219 171 

Less than 12 years--- 145 47 54 44 108 33 32 43 , 12 years 268 129 94 308 151 88 69 

More than 12 years------ 399 216 134 tz 341 183 99 59 

Persons who still have 

natural teeth 

Education: 

All levels 1,129 516 380 233 1,753 786 537 430 

Less than 12 years. 211 58 73 334 102 107 125 

12 years---- 369 168 182: 77 743 339 230 174 

More than 12 years---- 549 290 176 83 676 345 200 131 

NOTE: The numbers in this table are to be used for the determination of sampling error (see table I). For 

cmbining cells in tables 1-4, use the population bases shown in table III. 

25 
---- 

Table III. Population bases for percents shown in tables 1-4, by sex, age, selected characteristics,

and education: National Survey of Personal Health Practices and COnsequences,WaveI, 1979 

Characteristic 

and education 

All persons 

Education: al levels--------------

Less than 12 years------ 12 yeapp--i--------

More than 12 years------

Current smokers 

Education: 

All level&---- -----m_ 

Less than 12 years------ 12 ye~s-m---m--

More than 12 years------

Full-time currently employed 

persons 

Education: 

m leve&----------

Less than12 years--- 12 years-­ More than 12 years---

Currently employed persons excluding self-employed 

Education:

Ml levels----------

Less than 12 years------ 12 years-------------

More than 12 years------

Persons who still have 

natural teeth 

Education: 

All levels-------. 

Less than 12 years----

12 years 

Bore than 12 years---

Men 

All All 

ages 20-34 35-49 50-64 ages 20-64 years years years 20-64 

years years 

2,299 1,004 762 533 3,457

460 115 166 179 695 

740 320 250 170 1,450

1,099 569 346 184 1,312 

893 372 329 192 1,139

264 88 99 77 286 

295 135 104 56 462 

334 149 126 59 391 

1,956 854 708 394 1,499 354 101 136 117 201 

632 276 237 119 630 

970 477 335 158 668 

1,607 770 561 276 1,384

296 96 109 91 190 

526 250 188 88 572 

785 424 264 97 622 

2,232 1,004 762 466 3,315

424 115 166 143 609 

726 320 250 156 1,415

1,082 569 346 167 1,291 

NCYIE: These numbersmay be used for ccmbining cells in tables 1-4. They reflect 

numberof respondents (table II), based on the numberof persons 20-64 years of 

E'or determination of sampling error, see numbers in table II. 

Women 

20-34 35-49 50-64 

years years years 

1,511 1,048 898 

195 207 293 

656 . 454 340 

660 387 265 

483 387 269 

104 89 93 

207 163 

172 135 ii 

758 443 298 

63 68 

3;: 185 123 

866 195 107 

715 394 275 

56 

3:: 161 1;;

347 177 98 

1,511 1,048 756 

I25 207 207 

656 454 305 

660 387 244 

adjustments to the actual 

age in each household. 

26 
--__ - _ 

Appendix II. Definitions 

of certain terms used 

in this report 

Terms relating to health 

Terms relating to specific health practices and 

consequences covered in this survey were derived 

,from recent literature in the field of health promotion and disease prevention.la?@ The survey questionnaire (appendix III) reflects the broad range of 

issues pertinent to the field. Response categories for 

questionnaire items were dichotomized into “favorable” and “unfavorable.” Unfavorable characteristics 

and practices are presented in this report by sex, age, 

and education. The points at which the response 

NOTE: A list of references follows the text. 

categories were dichotomized are made clear in the 

titles given to each of the variables shown in detailed 

tables l-4. 

Demographic terms 

Age.-Age was determined on the basis of reported date of birth and date of interview. 

Education.-Educational level was reported in 

terms of last ‘grade or year of school completed. 

Twelve years of education indicates completion of 

high school or the equivalent. More than 12 years 

indicates completion of 1 or more years of college or 

trade school. 

27 
Appendix ‘III. Questionnaire 

used to determine health 

practices and consequences 

Chilton Research Services Study i' 8047 

Radnor, Pennsylvania April, 1979 

REUTH PRACTICESAND HEALTH CONSEQUENCES 

FINAL VERSION - WAVE1 

Main Questionnaire 

INTRODUCTION A 

(IF SCREENINGWASNOT DONEWITR RESPONDENTOR IF SCREENINGWASDONEDURINGA PREVIOUS 

CALL.) 

Hello. I'm of Chilton Research Services, calling for the United States 

Department of Realth, Education and Welfare. 

As part of a study being conducted under the authority of the Public Health Service Act', 

we are talking to people across the country about some of their ideas and attitudes on 

health. 

Your participation in this survey is voluntary. Any information which you give us in 

response to our questions will be kept strictly confidential and will be used only for 

routine statistical research purposes. 

The first few questions,deal with health practices and your day-to-day living habits. 

(GO TO Q. 1) 

INTRODUCTIONB 

(IF SCREENINGWASDONEWITR RESPONDENTDURINGTHIS CALL) -

As part of a study being conducted under the authority of the Public Health Service Act, 

we are talking to people across the country about some of their ideas and attitudes on 

health. 

Your participation in this survey is voluntary. Any information which you give us in 

response to our questions will be kept strictly confidential and will be used only 

for routine statistical research purposes. 

The first few questions deal with health.practices and your day-to-day living

habits. (GO TO Q. 1) 

I hereby certify that I have read the above Privacy Act Statement to the designated 

survey respondent. 

Signature of 

Interviewer Date 

28 
Chilton Research Services 0x3 #66~-1663 Study # 0047 

Radnor, Pennsylvania Exp. Sept., 1980 April, 1979 

EiEALTEIPRACTICES -AXLlEIEALTHCONSEQUENCES 

FINAL VERSION - WAVE 1 

&in Questionnaira 

ht. 9 

Time Began AM PX 

Time Ended AM PM 

Q. # ColrRImlts 

29 
1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

First, would you say your health is 

excellent, good, fair, or poor? 

43- . 

Excellent 4 

Good 3 

Fair , 2' 

Poor 1 

Don't Know 8 

How often do you eat breakfast? Would 

you say . . . (READ LIST) 

44-, 

On an average day how many do 

you drink? (ASK FOR ENTIRE LIST. 

RECORDACTUAL NUNBE% IF "DON'T,KNOW", 

mm ff98”. IF LESS THAN 1, ENTZR “97”: 

(H) 

Cups of coffee (45-46) 

Cups of tea (47-48) 

Glasses of milk (49-50) 

Glasses of water. (51-52) 

Cans or bottles of 

soft drink (53-54) 

Glasses of fruit or 

vegetable juice (Z-56) 

Do you make any conscious effort to 

limit the amount of red meat in your 

diet for health reasons? 

Yes 

-

2. How often, if ever, do you take 

vitamin pills or other vitamin supplements? Would you say . . . (RRAD LIST) GR, 

6. On the average how many hours of sleep 

do you get each day, that is,.durfng a 

24 hour period? 

# of Hours 

(59.*61) 7. On the average, do you now get more 

sleep, less sleep or about the same 

amount of sleep as you did 2 years ago? 

8. Is this because of a health-related 

problem or condition that you had? 

63-

Yes I1 

I No I 2 

9. About how tall are you without shoes? 

Feet Inches 

(64) (65-66) 

10. How much do you weigh without clothes 

on? 

Actual Weight 

(67-69) 

11. Do you now veigh more, less, or about 

the same as you did two years ago? 

30 
12. Was this change the result of a 

health-related problem or condition 

that you had? 

(INTERVIEWER: IF FEMALERESPONDENT 

SAYS WEIGHT IS DIFFERENT BECAUSE 

OF'PREGNANCY,EITHER NOWOR TWOYEARS 

AGO, ASK ABOUTWEIGHT GAIN OR LOSS 

OTHERTHANATEMPORARYPREGNANCYRELATEDCHANGE.) 

13. About how much (MORE/LESS) do you now 

weigh than you did two years ago?7% , 

More 1 

(Num;:; Tfq)Pounds) Less 2 

14. Do you now consider yourself to be 

overweix, underweight, or about 

average? 76-

Don't Know 8 

15. About how long has it been since you 

last went to a dentist? (USE LIST TO 

PROBE, IF NECESSARY) 77-

I

Less than 1 year 

(Less than 12 months) 

I

l- 2 years

(12 months up to 24 months) I 

2 

I 

Never 5 

Don't Know * 8 

(REFER TO AGE ON SCREENER. 

IF 55 OR OVER, CONTINUE. 

IF YOUNGERTHAN 55, SKIP TO Q. 17) 

(IF 55 OR OVER.) 

16. Have you lost all of your teeth? 

5-

SKIP TO Q. 19 Yes ' 1 

CONTINUE No 2 

17. How often do you brush your teeth? 

6-

More than twice a day 1 

Twice a day I 2 

18. And how often, if ever, do. you use 

dental floss or a waterpick? 

(USE LIST TO PROBE, IF NECESSARY) 

II I

I Every day I 1 

Never 5 

19. About how long has it been since you 

. last had an eye examination? 

(USE LIST TO PROBE, IF NECESSARY) 

Less than 1 year 

(Less than 12 months) 1 

l- 2 years 

(12 months up to 24 months) '2 

2 - 4 years (More than 

24 months up .to 5 years) 3 

5 or more years 4 

SP, 78-79 Never I5 

ENDCARD 80 -0 Don't Know 1 8 

31 
x. 

20. Some people get a general physical 

examination once in a while even 

though they are feeling well and 

have not been sick. When was the 

last time you had a general physical

examination when you were not sick? 

(USE LIST TO PROBE, IF NECESSARY.) 

9-

Less than 1 year

(Less than 12 months) 1 

2 years I l-

(12 months up to 24 months) I 

2 

I 

2 - 4 years (More than 

24 months up to 5 years) I 

3 

I 

5 or more years I 14 I

Never 5 

Don't Know 8 

(IF RESPONDENTREQUESTSCLARIFICATION SAY: 

A general physical examination refers to 

the contact between a doctor and a patient 

in which the following are usually done -

blood pressure taken, weight recorded, 

stethescope used, throat examined, and 

blood test made.) 

21. During the past 12 months, that is, 

since (DATE ONE YEAR AGO), about how 

many times did you see or speak to a I

medical doctor about your own health? 

Please exclude any doctors you may

have seen while'you were a patient in 

a hospital. 

# of visits (10,ll) I 

, About how long has it been.since you

last saw or talked to a medical doctor 

22 

- 4 years (More than 

24 months up to 5 years) I 

3 I

2 

I 5 or more years I 4 

Never 5 

Don't Know 8 

23. How long has it been since you last 

had your blood pressure checked? 

13-

Less than 1,year

(Less than 12 months) 1 

I

'1 - 2 years 

(12 months up to 24 months) I 

2 

24 months 2 - 4 years (More than up to 5 years) 3 

5 or more years 4 

Never 5 

Don't Knot 8, 

24. (ASK FEMALESONLY)

When was the last time you had a Pap 

smear test for cancer? 

Less than 1 year (Less than 12 months) 

l- 2 years 

(12 months up to 24 months) 

2 i 4 years (More than 

24 months up to 5 years) 

14-

1 

. / I Never I 5 

I t I

I I Don't Know 1.8 a 

I 5 or more years I 4 

32 
(ASK FENALES ONLY) 29. During the period when you were 

25. When was the last time you had a smoking most, about how many cigarettes 

breast examination by a doctor? a day did you usually- smoke? 

I 

15- 1 Pack = 20 Cigarettes 

r 

Less than 1 year 

(Less than 12 months) 1 (19.20) 

(# of cigarettes) 

l- 2 years (12 months up to 24 months) 2 30. About how long it has been since you 

smoked cigarettes fairly regularly? 

2- 4 years (More than 

24 months up to 5 years) 3 SKIi TO Years (21,22) 

5 or more years 4 

c 

Q. 36 Months (23,24) 

Never I 5 

Don't Know 8 31. On the average, how many cigarettes a 

day do you smoke? 

I 1 Pack = 20 Cigarettes 

26. Have you smoked at least 100 

cigarettes (five packs of cigarettes) 

in your entire life? 

16-

27. Do you smoke cigarettes now? 

, 17-

SKIP TO Q. 31 Yes 1 

CONTINUE No 2 

28. Did you ever smoke cigarettes 

regularly? (REGULARLYMEANSAT LEAST 

ONE CIGABE~AWEEEONAREGULAE 

BASIS.) 

i I 18- I 

Yes I 

SKIP TO Q. 36 No 2 

(25,26) 

(# of cigarettes) 

Think about the tar or nicotine level 

of the cigarettes you usually smoke. 

Would you say they are high, medium, 

or low tar and nicotine? 

27-

High tar and nicotine 1 

Medium tar and nicotine 2 

Low tar and nicotine 3 

Don't Know 8 

33. Eave you changed the number of 

cigarettes you smoke or the brand of 

cigarettes you smoke in the past two 

yeats? 

33 
01 

02 

03 

04 

05 

06 

07 

34. Was this because of a specific 

health related problem or condition 

29-

, 

Yes I 1 

2 

During the past two years did you 

make a serious attempt to stop 

smoking cigarettes? 

30-

Yes 1 

I No I 2 

36. Do you ever drink any alcoholic 

beverages, that is, beer, wine, or 

liquor? 

1 SKIP TO Q. 39 1 Yes I 1 

I No I 2 

37. Did you drink any alcoholic beverages 

two years ago? 

32-

Yes 1 

SKIP TO Q. 43 No 2 

38. Have you changed your drinking pattern 

during the past two years because of a 

specific health-related problem or 

condition that you had? 

If, 

39. On rhe average, how often do you drink 

any alcoholic beverages such as beer, 

wine, or liquor? (USE LIST TO PROBE, 

IF NECESSARY) 

(34,351 

Every day 

6 days a week .. 

5- 6 days a week * 

5 days a week L ,. 

4- 5. days a week 1 

4 days a week 

3 - 4 davs a week 

2 - 3 days a week 09 

2 days a week 10 

1 --2 days a.week 11 

1 dav a week (4 davs a month) 12 

2 davs a month 

I----- Once a month~~~~ I 18 

Less than once a month 19 

Don't Know 98 

34 
40.. On the days that you drink how many 

drinks do you have per day, on the 

average? (USE LIST TO PROBE, IF 

NECESSARY) 

I Two I 03 

I Three or four I 06 

I Five or six I 10 

41. 

42. 

43. 

Have you changed your drinking 

pattern during the past two years 

because of a specific health- t 

related problem or condition? 

Do you now drink more or less than 

you did two years ago? 

39-

More 1 

Less 2 

EsHow often do you use seat belts 

when you ride in a car? Wou1.d vou 

say . . . (BEAD LIST) 

Always or nearly always 

Sometimes 

Seldom 

Never 

35 
-- 

The next group of questions asks your 

personal opinions about health-related 

matters. 

44. How good a job do you feel you are 

doing in taking care of your health? 

Would you say . . . (READ LIST) 

41-

Excellent 4 

I Good 

How would you compare your level of 

physical activity with other people' 

your age? Would you say you are . . . 

(READ LIST) 

42-

r I I

Much more physically active 4 

Somewhat more active 3 

46. CornFlared to your level of physical 

activity two years ago, would you say 

you iare now more physically active, 

less physically active, or about the 

same?' 

43-

More physically active 1 

47. Is this because of a specific healthrelattad problem or condition that 

you.had? 

Do you feel that you get as much 

exercise as you'need, or less than 

you need? 

45 

As much as YGU need 1. 

49. In general, how satisfied are you 

with your overall physical condition? 

Would you say . . . (READ LIST) 

46-

Very'satisf ied 4 

Somewhat satisfied 3, 

Not too satisfied 2 

Not at all satisfied 1 

DC NOT READ Don't Know 8 

50. Compared with two years ago, that is, 

since 1977, would you say that your 

h'ealth is now better, worse, or about 

the same? 

51. Over the past year has your health 

caused you a,great deal of worry, 

some worry; 

worry at ail?hardly any worry, or no 

4% 

A great deal of worry 4 

I Don't Know -T~~~8 

36 
52. How much control do you think you 

have over your future health? Would 

you say . . . (READ LIST) 

49-

A great deal 4 

Some 3 

Very little 2 

I None at all I 1 

8 

53. Compared to other people your age, 

would you say your health is . . . 

(READ LIST) 

Fair, or 2 

Poor 1 

DO NOT READ Don't Know 8 

54. Compared to other people your age, 

would you say you have . . . (READ

LIST) 

SlI Somewhat less energy 12 I 

Much less energy 1 

DO NOT READ Don't Know 8 , , 

Now, I'd like to ask you some 

questions about your health status 

and medical care. 

55. Is there a,particular clinic, health 

center, doctor's office or hospital 

emergency room that you usually go to 

if you are sick or need advice about 

your health? 

52-

Yes 1 

I 2 

56. Have you been a patient overnight in 

a hospital since (DATE ONE YEAR AGO)? 

53-

Yes 1 

ISRIP TO Q. 58 ] No I 2 

57. All together, how many nights were 

you in the hospital since (DATE ONE 

YEAR AGO)? 

(Number of nights) 

(54,551 58- Do you feel that there are things you 

can do in your everyday life which 

will prevent you from getting high 

blood pressure? 

59. Have you had high blood pressure or 

were you treated for it during the last 

twelve months? 

57-

Yes 1 

(HIGH BLOODPRFSSTJREMAY ALSO BE 

REFERREDTO AS HYPERTENSIONOR 

HIGH BLOOD.) 

37 
60. How many colds, if any, did you have ir 

the past 12 months? 

58- . None 0 

One 1 

TWO 2 

Three 3 

Four 4. 

Five or more 5 

Don't Know 8 

61. Hew often, if ever, do you get

headaches? 

Never 1 

Less than once a month 2 

Once a month 3 

I Don't Know 

62. Do you ever have any trouble or 

difficulty with routine physical

activities such as ..(REXD SLOWLY)

walking, using stairs or Jnclines,

standing or sitting.for long periods,

using 'your fingers to grasp or handle 

or lifting or carrying something 

heavy? 

@?TOQ.64jNo 12 

63. Do you have any trouble or 

difficulty . . . (READ LIST) 

(ASK FOX EACB "YES")

Do you have a great deal of trouble 

(ACT~VIYY) or j,ust some trouble? 

No Yes 

. Great 

Deal Some 

Walking 61-1. 2 3 

Using stairs or 62-

inclines 1 2 '3 

Standing or sitting 63-

for long periods 1 2 3 

Using your fingers 64-

to grasp or 1 

handle 

2 3 

Lifting or carrying 6% 

something as heavy 1 

as 10'pounds 

2 3 

64. During the past 12 months,

that is, since (DATE ONE YEARAGO),

about how many days did illness or 

injury keep you in bed all or most 

of the day? 

66-

None 

127 days (up to 1 week) I 2 

38 
65. What were you doing for most of the 71. Are you limited in the.- of work 

past 12 manths:working: kee2)ing you can do because of your health? 

house, or something else? . -

73- fi7-

SKXP TO Q. 73 IWorking I1 I SKIP TO Q. 86 Yes. . . ..l I 

No _. 2

I SKIP TQ Q. 78 I Keeping house 12 I 

72. Are you limited in the -

kind or -amount 

of other activities. because of your

health? 

74-

ISKIP TO Q. 86 ] Yes 

SKIP TO Q. 85 I~No 12 I 

73. Do you now have a job? 

No 2 

67. What were you doing for most of the 

past 12 months? 

69-

SKIP TO Q- 82 Going to school 1 74. In terms of health, are you now able ' 

to work at all? 

SKIP TO Q. 69 Other 2 76- I 

68. Did you retire because of your health? Yes 1. 

70-

I SKIP TO Q. 86 No 2 

Yes 1 75. Are you limited in the kind of work 

No 2 you can do because of your health? 

Does your health now keep you from 1 SKIP TO Q. 86 I Yes I 1 I

6ggiczq7J I No I 2 I 

Are you limited in the amount of work 

I i I you can do because of your health? 

70. Are you limited in the kind of work 

you could do because of your health? 

72- No 2 

SKIP TO Q. 86 Yes~ 1 SP. 79 . _ . 

No 2 END CApD 2 ,80 -0. .* , -

? 

I_ I__ 

39 
77, Are you limited in the kind or amount 82. Do you have to go to a certain type a 

of other activities beck of your school because of your health? 

health? 

ISKIp TO Q. 86 1 Yes 

SKIP TO Q. 86 

I No II 

2 

I 

83. Are you limited in kzhool attendance 

because of your health? 

llSKIP TO Q. 86 Yes 1 

No 2 

78. In terms of health, are you now able 84. Are you limited in the kind or amount 

to' keep house at all? of other activfties bet= of your

health? 

Yes. 

SKIP TO Q. 86 No 

79. Are you limited in the kind of 

housework, you can do be=e Are you limited in &w way because of 

of your health? 

7. 

SZIP TO Q. 86 Tes 

No 

,80. Are you limited in the aniount of 

housework yim.can do because of 

your health? 

8-

SKIP TO C&86 Yes 1 , No 2 

81. 'Are you limited in the kind or amount 

of other activities besz of your 

health? 

9-

SI[fP,,TO Q. 86 Yes 1 . SKTP TO Q. 85 No 2 
86. What condition causes this 

limitation? 

(Condition) (14~5) 

87. Did this condition begin more than 

three months ago? 

IhSKIP TO Q. 91 Yes 1 

NO 2 

(IF "NO", CHECKTO SEE IF CONDITION'IN 

Q. 86 IS ON LIST) I 

SKIP Tq Q. 91 Condition is on list 1 

ASK Q. 88 Condition is not on 2 

list . 

88. Is this limitation caused by any 

other condition? 

I/­

Yes 1 

SKIP TO Q. 91 No 2 

89. What other condition causes this 

limitation? 

(Condition) (18,191 

90. Did this condition begin more than 

three months ago? 

(CONDITIONLIST) 

fingers, arm or back 

Prostate trouble 23 

Repeated trouble with back 

Rheumatic fever 

Stroke 30 

Thyroid trouble or goiter 31 

Tuberculosis 32 

Tumor, cyst, or growth I 33 

Varicose veins, trouble with 1 34 

FOR OFFICE.USE ONLY 

Other I 97 

.41 
The next few questions will be used to 

determine trends in longevity patterns

within families. Please answer these 

questions with reference to your 

aatural parents and grandparents, if 

you know about them. 

91. Is your father now living? 

CONTINUE Yes 1 

SKIP TO Q. 93 No 2 

1 SKIP TO Q* 95 1 Don't know. r 8 

92. About how old is he? 

(22.23) (AGE) 

Don't know 98 

(SKIP TO 0. 95) 

93. About how old was he when he died? 

04.25) (RECORDAGE) 

Don't know 98 

94. Did he die as a result of an accident? 

.95. Is your mother now living? 

27-

CONTINUE Yes 1 

SKIP TO Q. 97 No 2 

SKIP TO Q. 99 Don't know a 

96. About how old is she?. 

WE 1 (28,291 

Don't know 98 

(SKIP TO Q. 99) 

97. About how old was she when she, died? 

WE) (30,3i: 

Don't know 98 

98. Did she die as a result of an accident 

32-

w 

99. How many of your grandparents, if any, 

are now living? 

33-

SKIP TO Q. 101 None 1 

One 2 

TWO 3 

Three .4 

Four 5 

SKIP TO Q. 101 Don't know s 

.oo. (Is he or she) (Are any of them) 80 

years or older? 

] 

.Ol. Did any of your grandparents live 

beyond 80 years' of age? 

42 
. 

Now, I'd like to ask you a few questions 107. Does your job involve a variable work

about your present and past employment shift? That is, do you work the day experiences. shift some times and the night shift 

at other times? 

102. Are you now . . . (READ LIST) n 

108. How much hard physical work is required 

on your. job? I'm referring to things 

like pushing or carrying heavy objects, 

handling heavy tools or equipment, or 

digging. Would you say . . . (READ 

LIST) 

4% 

103. Have you ever worked? A great deal 4 

SKIP TO Q. 111 Yes 

38-

1 

Some 

Hardly any 

3 

2 

SKIP TO Q. 113 No 2 

None at all . 1 

104. Are you self-employed? 

) 39-

DO NO 

READY Don't Know 8 

SKIP TO Q. 107 Yes 1 109. How would you describe the degree of 

emotional stress associated with your No 2 job? Would you say you are under a 

great deal of stress, some stress, or 

105. Do you get time off from your job hardly any stress? 

with pay, when you are ill? 

40-

Yes 1 44-

\ No 2 

A great deal 3 

Some 2 

106. Does your employer give you time off 

from work with pay for visits to the Hardly any 1 

doctor? 

41- Don't Know 8 

Yes 1 

No 2 

43 
110. In your current job are you exposed to 113. Would you please tell me whether you 

any special risk of accidents or have participated in any activities 

injuries or to any substances that or meetings run by any of the 

could endanger your health? following groups in the last 3 months? 

45-

Yes 1 

111. Did you ever change jobs because you 

were concerned about occupational 

hazards or dangers to your health? 

46-

112. During the past five years, that is 

since 1974, how many 

employers or companies, if any, 

have you worked for on a full time 

basis, including your present job? 

47-

; 

TWO 2 

Three I 3 

Don't know 

(IF SELF-EMPLOYEDIN MORETHAN ONE COMPANY, 

COUNTAS "ONE") 

A labor union, commercial 

group or professional 1' 

organization 48-

A church group 49- 1 

A group concerned with 

children such as PTA, Boy 1 

Scouts, Girl Scouts, etc+G 

I 

Any other group that is 

concerned with community 1 betterment, charity or 

service 51-

Any other group that is 

inly social, fraternal 1. 

or recreational 52-

No ' DK 

2 8 

2 A 

2 '8 

2 8 

2 8 

114. About how often, if ever, do you go to 

religious services? (USE LIST TO 

PROBE, IF NECESSARY) 

53-

Once a week or more 1 

1 to 3 times a month 2 

Less than once a.manth 3 

Never 4 

44 
115. Now I'm going to read you a list of things that people do in their free time. 

Please tell'me how often you participate in these activities. First how 

often do you (ACTIVITY)? Would you say often, sometimes, rarely, or never? 

(ASK FOR EACH ACTIVTY;) 

Often Sometimes Rarely Never 

Go swag in the srmrmer 54- 4 3 2 1 

Take long walks 55: 4 3 2 1 

Work on a physically active hobby 

such as dancing or girdening 56 4 3 2 1 

1 Go jogging or running . 3 2 1 

I

IF “OFTEN” OR "SOMETIHES" TO JOGGINGOR RUNNINGIN Q l 115, ASK Q. 116. OTHERWISE SKIP

0 Q. 117) 

116. On the average how many miles a do you usually jog or run? 

117. And how often do you (ACTIVITY)?' 

Often Sometimes Rarely Never 

Ride a bicycle 59- 3 2 1 4 

Do calisthenics or physical

exercise I 60- 4 3 2. 1 

Participate in any other active sports I haven't already mentioned 61-r 4. 3 2 1 

45 
118. How much enjoyment do you get out of 

your free time? Would you say . . . 

(READ LIST)? 

62-

A great ,deal 3 

Some, or 2 

A little 1 

DO NOT READ Don't Know 8 

119. And how often do you find that you 

have time on your hands that you

don't know what to do with? Would 

you say . . . (READ LIST)? 

63-

Rarely 2 

Never 1 

DO NOT RRAD Don't know 8 

120. All in all how happy are you these 

days? Would you say . . . 

(READ LIST)? 

64-

Very happy 4 

Pretty happy, or 3 

Not too happy 2 

DO NOT READ Don't Know 8 

121. How many close relatives do you have? 

These are people that you feel at 

ease with, can talk to about 

private matters, and can call on 

for help. (RECORDIN Q.121 GRID 

BELOW.) 

122. And how many friends do you have 

that you feel really close to? 

These are friends that you feel, 

at ease with, can talk to about 

private matters, and can call on 

for help. (RECORDIN 4.122 GRID 

BELOW.) 

(IF "NONE" TO FRIENDS AND RELATIVES SKIP TO 

Q. 126.) 

123. How many of these close friends or 

relatives do you see at least once 

a month? 

(69-70) 

None 00 

One 01 

TWO 02 

Three 03 

Four 04 

Five 05 

six 06 

Seven 07-

Eight 08 

Nine 09 

Ten or more 10 

46 
Now I have a few questions about how you 

have heen feeling lately, 124. About how often do you visit with any 

close relatives or friends? (DO NOT (ASK QUESTIONFOR EACH CRARACTERISTIC. 

READ LIST) 

More than once a week 

(More"than 4 times a month) 

About once a week 

(About 4 times a month) 

2-3 times a month 

About once a month 

Less than once a month 

Don't Know 

BEGIN WITH [ \/I.) 71-

1 L28. How often in the past month have you. 

felt (CRARACTERISTIC)? Would you 

2 say very often, sometimes, rarely, 

or never? 

3 

4 

5 

8 

Loved and 76-

.wanted 4 32 18 

125. Do you feel that you have enough 4. 

close friends or relatives? Downhearted "­

and.blue. 4 3 2 18 I I I I I I I 

Lonely I'+4 1 3 1 2 1 1 18 

SP. 79 

ENDcARD 80 -0 

BEGIN CARD 4 

DUP. COLS.. 1-4 

126. Are you now . . . (READ LIST) 29. Does ft9xe+ happen that you do not 

73- have enoughmoney to afford the 

I Married 1 k%nd of medical care you or your 

SKIP TO Wi,dowed 2 famSly should have? 

Divorced I 3 

Q. 128 Separated 14I 

Never Married 1 5 

127. All in all, how happy has your 

marriage been for you? Would you 

say . . . (READ LIST) 30. Would you say this happens . . . 

74- (READ LIST)?' 

V-7 happy 3 

Pretty happy, or 2 

Not too happy 1 

DO NO L i 

Don't Know 8 
131. I'm now going to read you a list of things that can happen to people. Please 

tell me which of these events, if any, happened in your life during the past 

five years. (READ ENTIRE LIST) 

Don't Not 

Yes No Know Applicable 

Death of your (husband/wife) 7- 1 2 8 7 or one of your children 

Problems or difficulties with a le-112 1 8.1 7 steady date or fiance 1 I 

' Serious financial difficulties 9 

-

or problems 1 2 8 7 

the past five years.did any of these events happen in your life? 

LIST) 

Don't Not 

/ Yes No Know Applicable 

Your own serious illness, lo1 2 8 7 injury or operation 

ll- Serious of injury operation illness,your childrenor 1 2 8 7 

12- Serious illness, injury or 

operation of your 1 2 8 7 

(husband/wife) 

13- Being unable to get medical 

treatment yourself was seriously needed for 1 2 8 7 when it or your 

(husband/wife) or your children 

14- i Your own marital separation ~ 1 i 8 7 or divorce 

Other problems or difficulties 15-

related to your marriage IL1 12181 7 

48 
have you ever had a nervous 

breakdown? 

132. Did you have any severe personal, 

emotional, behavioral or mental 

problems that concerned you in the 

past year? 

16-

SKIP TO Q. 134 Yes 1 

No 2‘ 

Don't Know 8 

133. Would you say you had no problems of 

this kind at all, or no severe 

problems? 

Did you consider any of these to be 

severe enough that you felt you

needed professional help? I 

18-

Yes 1 

SKIP TO N6 2 

Q. 136 Don't Know 8 

135. Did you seek professional help? 

136. have you ever had a nervous 

breakdown? 

' 2OSKIP TO Q. 138 Yes 1 

No 2 

Don't Know 8 

137. Did you ever feel that you were 

going to have, or were close to 

having a nervous breakdown? 

138. Was that during the past year?

22-

Yes G 1 

139. Are you still bothered by that 

condition or are you completely over 

it? 

I Still bothered by it I 1 

49 
140. And finally, these last few questions (SEE TYPE OF RESIDENCEON SCREENER., I 

ask for a little more information "PRIVATE RESIDENCE", ASK Q. 143. IF 

about you. This information will be "GROUPQUARTERS", SKIP TO Q. 146)

used to compare results from 

different groups of people who 143. And now I'd like to know the age and 

participate in this survey and will sex of members of your household who 

not be used to identify you are younger than 20 or older than 64. 

personally in any way. 

In the past five years, that is, I Sex

since (MONTH, 1974), how many Age ML&, * L-ca.LS

addresses have you lived at, 

including your present address. 

# of addresses' 

(24-25) 

141. What was the last grade or year of 

,sc;c; you completed? (2~2;bl 1 

I l- 4, years I O2 I 

I5 - 6 years I 03 I 

I 7 - 8 years I 04 I 

I 9- 11 years I 05 I 

I

12 years (Completed high 06 school or equivalent) I I 

13 - 15 years (Some college 07 

144. Are there any telephone numbers 

other than the one I've dialed at or trade school) I---1 which household members can be reached 

16 + years (Completed 08 college or more) I I 

I Don't Know I 98 I 

142. And what is your date of birth? 

Day (28-29: 

Month (30-31: 

Year (32-33: 

at this residence? 

61-

Yes 1 

SKIP TO Q. 150 No 2 

I would just like to make sure you are 

referring to a phone numbe'r other than the 

one you are using right now. 

62-

IYes 1-1 

1 SKIP TO Q. 150 1No I 2 

50 
145. 'In total, at how many other phone

numbers in this residence can 

household members be reached? 

(EXCLLDEPHONENIJMBEEDIALED) 

# (63: 

(SKIP TO Q. 150) 

146. How many people between the ages of 

20 and 64 live here? 

Number of People (64 - 6t 

Don't Know 998 

147. How many of these people have 

regular access to this phone number? 

Number of People - c 

Don't Know 998 

148. Are there any telephone numbers in 

this residence other than the one 

I've dialed, at which these 

(# IN Q. 147 .) people can be reached? 

149. In total, at how many other phone

numbers in this residence can these 

(i/ IN Q. 147 > people be reached? 

(EXCLUTIEPHONENUMBERDIALED) 

Number 

(71-72) 

Don't Know 98 

‘ 

150. Please tell me which one of the 

following racial grouFbest

describes your racial background. 

Are you . . . (READ LIST SLOWLY.PAUSE 

BRIEFLY AFTER EACH.) 

73-

White I 1 

SKIP 

TO 

Q. 1.52 

Pacific Islander I 5 

Some otier group 6 

151. To which racial group do you belong? 

152. Now I'm going to read you a list of 

groups which describes some people's

national origin or ancestry. Please 

'tell me if any of these groups is 

your national origin or ancestry.

(READ LIST. STOPMTEB FIRST "YES".) 

75-

Puerto Rican 1 

Cuban. 2 

Mexican, Mexicano, Mexican 3 American, or Chicano 

Some other Latin American or 4 Spanish group 

DO None of these groups 5 

i.“A 

READ Don't Know 

51 
153. And finally, so that we can group our answers , please tell me into which 02 the 

following groups your family's combined income fell in 1978, before taxes. 

Would that be 3. . . (READ LIST) 

Less than $5,000 ~~~~I 1. 

$5,000 to $10,000 

$10;000 to s15,ooo 3 

$15,000 to $25,000 4 

SP. 76-79 $25,000 or more I 5 

ENDcARD 80 -0 I Don't Know 

52 
Vital and Health Statistics series descriptions 

SERIES 1. Programs and Collection Procedures.-Reports describing long-term care, ambulatory care, hospital care, and family 

the general programs of the National Center for Health planning services. 

Statistics and its offices and divisions and the data col- SERIES 14. Data on Health Resources: Manpower and Facilities.­

lection methods used. They also include definitions and Statistics on the numbers, geographic distribution, and 

other material necessary for understanding the data. characteristics of health resources including physicians, 

SERIES 2. Data Evaluation and Methods Research.-Studies of new dentists, nurses, other health occupations, hospitals, 

statistical methodology including experimental tests of nursing homes, and outpatient facilities. 

new survey methods, studies of vital statistics collection SERIES 15. Data From Special Surveys.-Statistics on health and 

methods, new analytical techniques, objective evaluations health-related topics collected in special surveys that 

of reliability of collected data, and contributions to sta- are not a part of the continuing data systems of the 

tistical theory. National Center for Health Statistics. 

SERIES 3. Analytical and Epidemiological Studies.-Reports pre- SERIES 20. Data on Mortality.-Various statistics on mortality other 

senting analytical or interpretive studies based on vital than as included in regular annual or monthly reports. 

the expository types of reports in the other series. graphic variables; geographic and time series analyses; 

SERIES 4. Documents and Committee Reports.-Final reports of and statistics on characteristics of deaths not available 

major committees concerned with vital and health sta- from the vital records based on sample surveys of those 

tistics and documents such as recommended model vital records. 

registration laws and revised birth and death certificates. SERIES 21. Data on Natality, Marriage, and Divorce.-Various staand health statistics, carrying the analysis further than Special analyses by cause of death, age, and other demoSERIES 10. Data From the National Health Interview Survey.-Statis- tistics on natality, marriage, and divorce other than as 

tics on illness, accidental injuries, disability, use of hos- included in regular annual or monthly reports. Special 

pital, medical, dental, and other services, and other analyses by demographic variables; geographic and time 

health-related topics, all based on data collected in the series an,alyses; studies of fertility; and statistics on 

continuing national household interview survey. characteristics of births not available from the vital 

records based on sample surveys of those records. 

SERIES 11. Data From the National Health Examination Survey and 

the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.- SERIES 22. Data From the National Mortality and Natality Surveys.-

Data from direct examination, testing, and measurement Discontinued in 1975. Reports from these sample surveys 

of national samples of the civilian noninstitutionalized based on vital records are included in Series 20 and 21, 

population provide the basis for (1) estimates of the respectively. 

medically defined prevalence of specific diseases in the SERIES 23. Data From the National Survey of Family Growth.-

United States and the distributions of the population Statistics on fertility, family formation and dissolution, 

with respect to physical, physiological, and psycho- family planning, and related maternal and infant health 

logical characteristics and (2) analysis of relationships topics derived from a periodic survey of a nationwide 

among the various measuremehts without reference to probability sample of ever-married women 15-44 years 

an explicit finite universe of persons. of age. 

SERIES 12. Data From the Institutionalized Population Surveys.-Dis- For a list of titles of reports published in these series, write to: 

continued in 1975. Reports from these surveys are included in Series 13. Scientific and Technical Information Branch 

National Center for Health Statistics 

SERIES 13. Data on Health Resources Utilization.-Statistics on the Public Health Service 

utilization of health manpower and facilities providing Hyattsville, Md. 20782