National Population Health Survey, 1996-1997 [Canada]: Household Component - Health File

This documentation accompanies the National Population Health Survey (NPHS). The National Population Health Survey (NPHS) uses the Labour Force Survey sampling frame to draw a sample of approximately 20,000 households. The sample is distributed over four quarterly collection periods. In each household, some limited information is collected from all household members and one person in each household is randomly selected for a more in-depth interview. The questionnaire includes content related to health status, use of health services, determinants of health and a range of demographic and economic information. For example, the health status information includes self- perception of health, a health status index, chronic conditions, and activity restrictions. The use of health services is probed through visits to health care providers, both traditional and non-traditional, and the use of drugs and other medications. Health determinants include smoking, alcohol use, physical activity and a special focus in the second cycle of the survey was access to services with questions on preventative tests and examinations probing for frequency, reasons for use or non-use and barriers encountered. The demographic and economic information includes age, sex, education, ethnicity, household income and labour force status.