Sources for Health Statistics
- National Institutes of HealthNIH is comprised of 27 centers and institutes engaged in a broad range of health related research.
- Food and Drug Administration (FDA)In addition to food and drugs, FDA regulates medical devices, cosmetics, radiation-emitting products, and tobacco.
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health AdministrationSAMSHA covers a broad spectrum of issues ranging from care of homeless populations to fetal alcohol syndrome and refugee well-being. Links to publications and statistics are provided.
- World Health Organization (WHO)Use their A-Z index or click on the Data and Statistics tab at the top of the page.
- Global Health ObservatoryIncludes data from WHOSIS (WHO Statistical Information System). Search for diseases, mortality and morbidity by country from data collected by the World Health Organizationl
- Mortality vs. MorbidityWhat is the difference between mortality and morbidity?
- Urban Institute Health StatisticsUI reports and links to data on health and healthcare
- Hospital Safety ScoreA, B, C, D, or F letter grade reflecting how safe hospitals are for patients is compiled by The Leapfrog Group.
Surveys and Databases
Data extraction and analysis are outside the scope of this Guide. These data collection systems also provide statistical reports for users.
On these sites, check for links labeled Statistics, Publications and Products, or Resources.
- CDC Surveys and Data Collection SystemsThis site presents data from a number of CDC's key surveys, including the National Health Interview Series and the National Vital Statistics System.
- CDC WONDER Index to DatabasesProvides access to both CDC and other agency databases.
- CDC WONDERSeries of online databases for the retrieval of public health data.
- ClinicalTrials.govCovers clinical trials in the U.S. and over 160 other countries. Search by condition, topic, or geographic region.
- Measure DHS: Demographic and Health SurveysThe Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) program has collected, analyzed, and disseminated accurate and representative data on population, health, HIV, and nutrition through more than 300 surveys in over 90 countries
- MedlinePlus This link opens in a new windowUseful to consumers with interactive tutorials and information about drugs and conditions.
- NIH Research Portfolio Online Reporting ToolThis is a compilation of materials on NIH-sponsored research.
- Surveys and Statistics from the AARP Research CenterFinding tool for surveys and reports.
Selected Health Publications
- Health United StatesAnnual publication on health trends and statistics. Backfiles are available full-text from 1975 to present.
- Reports of the Surgeon GeneralThis site includes the landmark reports on smoking and health from the late 1960's onward as well as Television and Growing Up, the 1972 report on the effects of tv violence on children.
- Healthy People 2020Links to previous Health People initiatives (2000, 2010). This publication series describes goals set and progress made in various aspects of health promotion and wellness.
- Better Data = Better Health: Stories from the FieldRobert Wood Johnson Foundation news report on health and "big data"
- AARP Second Half of Life in partnership with National Geographic
Link to study report and PDF graphics from this page