Overview
Dataset Summary
The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) is a nationally representative survey conducted by the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) that assesses the health and nutritional status of adults and children in the United States.
NHANES combines interviews with standardized physical examinations and laboratory testing. Unique features include detailed dietary intake data, measured health examination findings (e.g., blood pressure, height, weight), laboratory test results, and information on medication use (available through 2019). These components allow for objective assessment of chronic disease prevalence, risk factors, and nutrition-related outcomes.
Caveats
- Cross-sectional design limits causal and longitudinal inference.
- Medication use data are currently available through 2019.
- Some detailed variables require restricted data access through the NCHS Research Data Center (RDC).
- Complex survey design requires appropriate weighting for nationally representative estimates.
Examples of Outcomes Examined
- Blood pressure and hypertension prevalence
- Body mass index (BMI) and obesity
- Use of prescription medications
- Nutrition-related biomarkers and dietary patterns
Topic
Population Health, Quality and Outcomes, Wellness
Resource Type
Dataset
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