The Sample Adult Module of the 1997 National Health interview Survey contains questions concerning four important health-related behaviors: cigarette smoking, alcohol use, overweight, and leisure time physical activity. Questions on smoking and overweight (body weight and height) are nearly identical to previous NHIS questionnaires. To a large extent, the alcohol questions have appeared in the NHIS at some time in the past, although not necessarily in the same order or with the same reference period found in the 1997 instrument. The physical activity questions are entirely new to the NHIS, although similar style questions have been used successfully in other large-scale surveys. This paper discusses the health behavior questions included in the 1997 NHIS---their strengths and limitations, and analytic potential. Data from the 1997 NHIS for each of these health behaviors are compared with data from a recent pre-1997 NHIS in which related questions were asked. Similarities and differences in the estimates and their interpretation are discussed.
Learning Objectives: After the session, the learner will be able to: 1. List the major changes in the NHIS with regard to questions on health related behaviors 2. Explain the effect of changes on statistical estimates
Keywords: Smoking, Alcohol Use
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: National Center for Health Statistics
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: Employee