The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) is a comprehensive and nationally representative survey conducted by the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It is designed to assess the health and nutritional status of Americans and collect essential data to monitor and understand various health conditions and trends in the population.
NHANES gathers information on a wide range of health-related topics, including demographic data, medical history, dietary habits, physical activity, and laboratory test results. The survey employs a combination of interviews, physical examinations, and laboratory tests to gather data from a representative sample of the U.S. population. This allows for reliable estimates of the prevalence of diseases, conditions, and risk factors across different demographic groups.
The survey's primary goal is to provide data to inform public health policies and programs at the national, state, and local levels. By collecting information on a broad range of health indicators, NHANES helps identify emerging health issues, monitor progress towards health goals, and assess the effectiveness of interventions aimed at improving health outcomes.
NHANES data is widely used by researchers, policymakers, healthcare professionals, and educators to study various aspects of population health, understand health disparities, and develop evidence-based strategies to promote better health and nutrition. The findings from NHANES contribute to the scientific knowledge base, facilitate informed decision-making, and support efforts to improve the health and well-being of the American population.
