1. An Example of Working with Data Documentation
 Health Facts from the 1994 National Population Health Survey
Canadian Social Trends, Spring 1996
deconstruct a reported health fact
identify the variables in the report
identify the data source
locate the variables in the data documentation
find the original questions
find the data

2. Deconstruct a Reported Finding
Men more likely to drink. In 1994, over half (58%) of adult Canadians reported that they were current drinkers, that is, they consumed alcoholic beverages at least once a month. Men (69%) were more likely than women (47%) to be current drinkers. For men, the prevalence of current drinking peaked at age 25 to 29 (79%), and among women at ages 20 to 24, and 35 to 44 (54%).

3. Deconstruct a Reported Finding
Rates were lower for those aged 65 and over -- 52% of men and 31% of women.
Alcohol consumption and smoking are associated. The prevalence of smoking was higher among current (35%), occasional (30%) and former drinkers (27%) than among people who never drank (10%).

4. Identify the Variables
Men more likely to drink In 1994, over half (58%) of adult Canadians reported that they were current drinkers, that is, they consumed alcoholic beverages at least once a month. Men (69%) were more likely than women (47%) to be current drinkers. For men, the prevalence of current drinking peaked at age 25 to 29 (79%), and among women at ages 20 to 24, and 35 to 44 (54%).

5. Identify the Variables
Rates were lower for those aged 65 and over -- 52% of men and 31% of women.
Alcohol consumption and smoking are associated. The prevalence of smoking was higher among current (35%), occasional (30%) and former drinkers (27%) than among people who never drank (10%).

6. Summary of Variables Identified
Men and women
Canadian adults
Type of drinker
Age in categories
Smokers
Variable Name AGEGRP
Question
Description Grouped Age Cohorts
Note Age of respondent - grouped
Content Code Sample Population
12 TO 14 YEARS ,326,126
15 TO 19 YEARS 2 1,210 2,046,276
20 TO 24 YEARS 3 1,395 1,739,548
25 TO 29 YEARS 4 1,587 2,139,891
30 TO 34 YEARS 5 1,934 2,615,603
35 TO 39 YEARS 6 1,770 2,594,260
40 TO 44 YEARS 7 1,499 2,270,073
45 TO 49 YEARS 8 1,392 1,965,416
50 TO 54 YEARS 9 1,109 1,538,644
55 TO 59 YEARS 10 1,007 1,285,885
60 TO 64 YEARS ,175,916
65 TO 69 YEARS ,105,799
70 TO 74 YEARS ,118
75 TO 79 YEARS ,464
80 YEARS OR OLDER ,586
17,626 23,948,605 Total

7. Identify the Data Source
The National Population Health Survey, 1994
Is there a public-use microdata file?
Check the Statistics Canada Web Site
search in the Catalogue for “the phrase”
National Population Health Survey 1994
Check the Gate Catalogue
search in the Title

8. Locate the Variables The National Population Health Survey, 1994
Check the data documentation
the print version is in the Data Library
the PDF version is on-line
Use TOC and link to Data Dictionary for Health
Check for a sample weight variable

9. Locate the Variables The National Population Health Survey, 1994
Check the data documentation
the print version is in the Data Library
the PDF version is on-line
Use TOC and link to Data Dictionary for Health
Check for a sample weight variable
NOTE: in addition to the other variables, a weight variable will be required.

10. Find the Data The National Population Health Survey, 1994
Check the Data Library link to LANDRU

19. Retrieve the Data Subset from the NPHS, 1994 Four files from Landru
humphrey.nphs94h cdbk
humphrey.nphs94h data
humphrey.nphs94h spss
humphrey.nphs94h req

20. Analyze of the Data
The SPSS command file can be used to read the data file after which tables or other types of analysis can be performed.

21. Time for a Computing Exercise
Let’s look at replicating the findings in the 1994 NPHS!