Survey Data Analysis

We conduct analyses of data from large national surveys, to develop tailored questionnaires for researchers, and to provide health information for government and industry.


Overview

The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) is a large representative national survey containing health and nutrition data. It provides a wealth of data on numerous aspects of health, including physical examinations, blood components, and dietary data. We provide analysis of all aspects of the NHANES data.

The NHANES III was collected between 1988 and 1994. Beginning in 1999 NHANES is conducted on a continuous basis, and released in two-year increments. Our most recent dietary questionnaire was developed using the NHANES 1999-2002, the most recent data release.


Tailored Questionnaires

Because of the large sample size and diversity and representativeness of the NHANES data, it is possible to use the survey to develop questionnaires that are uniquely appropriate for particular research needs.
We use NHANES to develop and update our dietary questionnaires and nutrient databases.
We also use NHANES to work with investigators to identify the specific foods that may be most relevant for the particular demographic group they plan to study. The following illustrate the kinds of tailored questionnaires we have developed for investigators studying specific demographic subgroups:
  • African American and white seniors living in the northeast and south
  • College-educated persons living in the southwest
  • African American women of childbearing age living in the midwest

Government Health Agency Analyses

We provide analyses describing the eating habits of Americans. Analyses we have conducted for government agencies include the following:
What are the average nutrient intakes of Americans in various race, ethnic, age and poverty groupings?
What foods are the important nutrient contributors in those demographic groups?
What proportion of persons in those groups are obtaining inadequate nutrient intake, using the DRI/Iowa method?

Food Industry Analyses

Several food industry giants have used our services, to provide up-to-date analyses of dietary and nutritional factors. We have provided analyses for food industry groups to
Analyze the demographic profile of users of their products
Analyze health markers such as serum cholesterol in users of their products
Other descriptive and analytic research
The NHANES surveys provide an unprecedented opportunity to examine dietary and nutritional relationships, describe the population’s food and nutrient intake, and develop the most appropriate questionnaires.

National Data

Researchers often ask how the average energy intake in their population compares with national estimates. As a service to researchers, we have provided estimates using NHANES III and CSFII, a dataset containing multiple days on each individual. Click here to view the Caloric Intake Charts. This will be updated using NHANES 1999-2002 data in the near future.