Measuring health in population surveys

Abstract

Most countries collect data on health in their population surveys. Although administrative data are of growing importance as a source of health statistics in developed countries, surveys are likely to remain the major data source in all countries for the foreseeable future. This paper reviews the methodology for a range of population health surveys, discusses the challenges in obtaining accurate data in this field, and outlines some areas of current development. The subject matter of population health surveys broadly encompasses physical and mental health, dental health, disabilities, substance abuse, health risk factors, nutrition, health promotion, health care utilization and quality, health coverage, and costs. Some surveys focus on specific health conditions, whereas others aim to obtain an overall health assessment. Health is often an important component in longitudinal surveys. Information about health can be collected in health surveys by respondents' reports, by medical examinations, by the collection of biological measures, and from administrative records. The accuracy of respondent-reported information about many health conditions is a serious concern. Logistical issues, costs, and respondent cooperation are important considerations when the information is collected by medical examinations. Ethical and privacy issues are often important, particularly when DNA and biomarkers are involved. Two issues of growing importance are the international comparability of health measures and the production of health measures for local areas.