National Health Interview Survey (NHIS)

Description:
The National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) is the principal source of information on the health of the civilian noninstitutionalized population of the United States and is one of the major data collection programs of the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) which is part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The National Health Survey Act of 1956 provided for a continuing survey and special studies to secure accurate and current statistical information on the amount, distribution, and effects of illness and disability in the United States and the services rendered for or because of such conditions. The survey referred to in the Act, now called the National Health Interview Survey, was initiated in July 1957. Since 1960, the survey has been conducted by NCHS, which was formed when the National Health Survey and the National Vital Statistics Division were combined.

Coverage: National

Description of Cohort:
Civilian noninstitutionalized US population.
Includes residents of households and noninstitutional group quarters. Persons excluded from the universe are those with no fixed household address, active duty military personnel and civilians living on military bases, persons in long-term care institutions, persons in correctional facilities, and U.S. nationals living in foreign countries.