The National Center for Health Statistics collects data on health behaviors through a number of surveys. These include the National Health Interview Survey, the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, the Hispanic Health and Nutrition Examination Survey and the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey. The National Health Interview Survey collects current statistical information on the effects of illness in the United States. This household interview survey provides national incidence data for acute illnesses and accidental injuries, plus prevalence data on chronic conditions and impairments, the extent of disability, and utilization of health care services.
Information is obtained on personal and demographic characteristics including race and ethnicity.
Information is also obtained on illnesses, injuries, impairments, chronic conditions, utilization of health resources, and other health topics. The household questionnaire is reviewed each year with special health topics being added or deleted. For most health topics, data are collected over an entire calendar year. The sample design plan of the NHIS follows a multistage probability design that permits a continuous sampling of United States residents. Those in institutions or the military are excluded.