Health

Description:

The Canadian Health Measures Survey (CHMS) represents Statistics Canada's first health survey employing a comprehensive battery of direct physical measurements of health. The CHMS will be collecting directly measured health data on a representative sample of 5000 Canadians aged 6 to 79 in 2007 to 2009. After a comprehensive in-home health interview, respondents report to a mobile examination centre where direct health measures are performed. Measures include fitness tests, anthropometry, objective physical activity monitoring, spirometry, blood pressure measurements, oral health measures and blood and urine sampling. Blood and urine are analyzed for measures of chronic disease, infectious disease, nutritional indicators and environmental biomarkers. This survey has many unique and peculiar challenges rarely experienced by most Statistics Canada surveys; some of these challenges are described in this paper. The data collected through the CHMS is unique and represents a valuable health surveillance and research resource for Canada.

Description:

The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) has been conducted by the National Center for Health Statistics for over forty years. The survey collects information on the health and nutritional status of the United States population using in-person interviews and standardized physical examinations conducted in mobile examination centers. During the course of these forty years, numerous lessons have been learned about the conduct of a survey using direct physical measures. Examples of these "lessons learned" are described and provide a guide for other organizations and countries as they plan similar surveys.

Description:

In Finland the first national health examination surveys were carried out in the 1960s. Comprehensive surveys of nationally representative population samples have been carried out in 1978 to 1980 (The Mini-Finland Health Survey) and in 2000 to 2001 (Health 2000). Surveys of cardiovascular risk factors, so called FinRisk surveys, have assessed their trends every five years. The health examination surveys are an important tool of health monitoring, and, linked with registers also a rich source of data for epidemiological research. The paper also gives examples on reports published from several of these studies.

Description:

Health services research generally relies on observational data to compare outcomes of patients receiving different therapies. Comparisons of patient groups in observational studies may be biased, in that outcomes differ due to both the effects of treatment and the effects of patient prognosis. In some cases, especially when data are collected on detailed clinical risk factors, these differences can be controlled for using statistical or epidemiological methods. In other cases, when unmeasured characteristics of the patient population affect both the decision to provide therapy and the outcome, these differences cannot be removed using standard techniques. Use of health administrative data requires particular cautions in undertaking observational studies since important clinical information does not exist. We discuss several statistical and epidemiological approaches to remove overt (measurable) and hidden (unmeasurable) bias in observational studies. These include regression model-based case-mix adjustment, propensity-based matching, redefining the exposure variable of interest, and the econometric technique of instrumental variable (IV) analysis. These methods are illustrated using examples from the medical literature including prediction of one-year mortality following heart attack; the return to health care spending in higher spending U.S. regions in terms of clinical and financial benefits; and the long-term survival benefits of invasive cardiac management of heart attack patients. It is possible to use health administrative data for observational studies provided careful attention is paid to addressing issues of reverse causation and unmeasured confounding.

Description:

Most major survey research organizations in the United States and Canada do not include wireless telephone numbers when conducting random-digit-dialed (RDD) household telephone surveys. In this paper, we offer the most up-to-date estimates available from the U.S. National Center for Health Statistics and Statistics Canada concerning the prevalence and demographic characteristics of the wireless-only population. We then present data from the U.S. National Health Interview Survey on the health and health care access of wireless-only adults, and we examine the potential for coverage bias when health research is conducted using RDD surveys that exclude wireless telephone numbers.

Description:

In an effort to increase response rates and decrease costs, many survey operations have begun to use several modes to collect relevant data. While the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), a multipurpose household health survey conducted annually by the National Center for Health Statistics, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, is primarily a face-to-face survey, interviewers also rely on the telephone to complete some interviews. This has raised questions about the quality of resulting data. To address these questions, data from the 2005 NHIS are used to analyze the impact of mode on eight key health indicators.

Description:

Many population surveys collecting food consumption data use 24 hour recall methodology to capture detailed one day intakes. In order to estimate longer term intakes of foods and nutrients from these data, methods have been developed that required a repeat recall to be collected from at least a subset of responders in order to estimate day to day variability. During the Canadian Community Health Survey Cycle 2.2 Nutrition Focus Survey, most first interviews were collected in person and most repeat interviews were conducted by telephone. This paper looks at the impact of the mode of interview on the reported foods and nutrients on both the first day and the repeat day and on the estimation of intra individual variability between the first and the second interviews.

Description:

Statistics Canada's Canadian Community Health Survey uses two sample frames and two data collection methods. In cycle 2.1, a change was made in sample allocation between the two frames. A study of the collection method effect by Statistics Canada revealed comparability problems between cycles 1.1 and 2.1. In contrast, the Institut de la statistique du Québec took a comprehensive look at the changes, and classified 178 variables as "comparable" or 'non-comparable". It made recommendations to Quebec users concerning chronological and interregional comparisons.

Description:

This paper describes the sample design used to satisfy the objectives and logistics of the Canadian Health Measures Survey. Among the challenges in developing the design were the need to select respondents close to clinics, the difficulty of achieving the desired sample size for young people, and subsampling for measures associated with exposure to environmental contaminants. The sample design contains solutions to those challenges: the establishment of collection sites, the use of more than one sample frame, and a respondent selection strategy.

Description:

The National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES) is one of a series of health-related programs sponsored by the United States National Center for Health Statistics. A unique feature of NHANES is the administration of a complete medical examination for each respondent in the sample. To standardize administration, these examinations are carried out in mobile examination centers (MECs). The examination includes physical measurements, tests such as eye and dental examinations, and the collection of blood and urine specimens for laboratory testing. NHANES is an ongoing annual health survey of the noninstitutionalized civilian population of the United States. The major analytic goals of NHANES include estimating the number and percentage of persons in the U.S. population and in designated subgroups with selected diseases and risk factors. The sample design for NHANES needs to create a balance between the requirements for efficient annual and multiyear samples and the flexibility that allows changes in key design parameters to make the survey more responsive to the needs of the research and health policy communities. This paper discusses the challenges involved in designing and implementing a sample selection process that satisfies the goals of NHANES.

Description: Monthly indexes and percentage changes for selected sub-groups of the health and personal care component of the Consumer Price Index (CPI), not seasonally adjusted, for Canada, provinces, Whitehorse and Yellowknife. Data are presented for the corresponding month of the previous year, the previous month and the current month. The base year for the index is 2002=100.

Description:

In collaboration with the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), this data file provides Canadians and researchers with preliminary data to monitor only the confirmed cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) in Canada. Given the rapidly-evolving nature of this situation, these data are considered preliminary.

Description: In collaboration with the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), this table provides Canadians and researchers with preliminary data to monitor only the confirmed cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) in Canada. Given the rapidly-evolving nature of this situation, these data are considered preliminary. This table will provide an aggregate summary of the data available in the publication 13-26-0003.

Description: In collaboration with the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), this table provides Canadians and researchers with preliminary data to monitor only the confirmed cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) in Canada. Given the rapidly-evolving nature of this situation, these data are considered preliminary. This table will provide an aggregate summary of the data available in the publication 13-26-0003.

Description: This table provides Canadians and researchers with provisional data to monitor weekly death trends by age and sex in Canada. Given the delays in receiving the data from the provincial and territorial vital statistics offices, these data are considered provisional. Data in this table will be available by province and territory.

Description:

This table provides Canadians and researchers with provisional data to monitor weekly death trends in Canada. Given the delays in receiving the data from the provincial and territorial vital statistics offices, these data are considered provisional. Data in this table will be available by province and territory.

Description:

This table provides Canadians and researchers with provisional data to monitor weekly death trends by selected grouped causes of death in Canada. Given the delays in receiving the data from the provincial and territorial vital statistics offices, these data are considered provisional. Data in this table will be available by province and territory.

Description: The table displays weekly age standardized mortality rates for every province in Canada (excluding territories), by sex, since 2019. The standardization is done using the 2011 Canadian population.

Description: This dashboard provides an interactive view of eight indicators from the Quality of Life Framework for Canada: Life satisfaction, sense of meaning and purpose, future outlook, loneliness, someone to count on, sense of belonging to local community, perceived mental health, and perceived health. The data can be organized by province, gender and other characteristics such as age group. This dashboard is based on quarterly data from the Canadian Social Survey.

Description: Differences in the number and proportion of persons with and without disabilities, by age group and gender, Canada, provinces and territories.

Description: Oral health is a crucial component of overall health, influencing both physical and mental well-being. Yet, despite the important role that access to and use of oral health care services play in maintaining optimal oral health, substantial disparities remain in access to oral health care services across population groups in Canada. Using data from the 2022 Canadian Community Health Survey, this study examines the association of dental insurance with oral health care access and use in Canada while accounting for income and sociodemographic factors. It contributes to a baseline of oral health care disparities before the implementation of the Canadian Dental Care Plan.

Description: Children’s oral health can affect functional capacities, psychological well-being, and social integration. Additionally, health behaviours established in childhood extend into adulthood and can influence oral health outcomes later in life. Using data from the 2019 Canadian Health Survey on Children and Youth, this study investigates the association between dental insurance, income, and dental care access for Canadian children and youth aged 1 to 17 years. It contributes to a baseline understanding of oral health care use before the implementation of the Canadian Dental Care Plan.

Description:

Health Reports, published by the Health Analysis Division of Statistics Canada, is a peer-reviewed journal of population health and health services research. It is designed for a broad audience that includes health professionals, researchers, policymakers, and the general public. The journal publishes articles of wide interest that contain original and timely analyses of national or provincial/territorial surveys or administrative databases. New articles are published electronically each month.

Health Reports had an impact factor of 5.0 for 2022 and a five-year impact factor of 5.6. All articles are indexed in PubMed. Our online catalogue is free and receives more than 700,000 visits per year. External submissions are welcome.

Description: This infographic provides estimates on health care workers' stress, alcohol consumption and positive health behaviours during the COVID-19 pandemic. Estimates are provided across three primary health care worker groups: nurses, physicians, and Personal Support Workers/Care Aides (PSWs/CAs).

Description: Release published in The Daily – Statistics Canada’s official release bulletin

Description: Release published in The Daily – Statistics Canada’s official release bulletin

Description: This infographic investigates sandwich caregiving in Canada in 2022, defined as providing care in the past 12 months to both children under 15 years old and care-dependent adults and youth over 15 years old with a long-term condition or disability. The infographic explores the prevalence of sandwich caregiving, the types of relationships involved, and the impacts of this type of caregiving.

Description: Using data from the 2022 Canadian Social Survey Wave 6 (Well-being and caregiving), this study explores unpaid caregiving in the past 12 months for care-dependent groups (children under 15 years old or adults and youth over 15 years old with a long-term condition or disability). This paper explores: Who are the unpaid caregivers, including "sandwich" caregivers? How much unpaid care is provided and to whom? What are the impacts of this unpaid caregiving on well-being, especially the gendered differences?

Description: This publication presents key highlights and results from the General Social Survey on the topics of caregiving and care receiving; social identity; giving, volunteering and participating; victimization; time use; and family.

Description: Growing Up in Québec is a longitudinal population survey that began in the spring of 2021 at the Institut de la statistique du Québec. Among the children targeted by this longitudinal follow-up, some will experience developmental difficulties at some point in their lives. Those same children often have characteristics associated with higher sample attrition (low-income family, parents with a low level of education). This article describes the two main challenges we encountered when trying to ensure sufficient representativeness of these children, in both the overall results and the subpopulation analyses.

Description: Health regions are defined by the provinces and represent administrative areas or regions of interest to health authorities. This product contains correspondence files (linking health regions to latest Census geographic codes) and digital boundary files. User documentation provides an overview of health regions, sources, methods, limitations and product description (file format and layout).

In addition to the geographic files, this product also includes Census data (basic profile) for health regions.

Description:

This report deals with Indigenous identity, Indigenous ancestry, Indigenous group, Registered or Treaty Indian status, Membership in a First Nation or Indian band, Membership in a Métis organization or Settlement, and Enrollment under an Inuit land claims agreement, and contains explanations of concepts, data quality, historical comparability and comparability with other sources, as well as information on data collection, processing and dissemination.

Description:

Created in collaboration with the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), this user guide with appended data dictionary provides Canadians and researchers with required information to be able to utilize the Detailed preliminary information on confirmed cases of COVID-19 (Revised) table.

The user guide with appended data dictionary describes background information of COVID-19 as well as objectives, coverage, content, limitations and data quality concerns of the table.

Description: The Canadian Survey on Disability (CSD) is a national survey of Canadians aged 15 and over whose everyday activities are limited because of a long-term condition or health-related problem. The 2022 CSD Concepts and Methods Guide is designed to assist CSD data users by providing relevant information on survey content and concepts, sampling design, collection methods, data processing, data quality and product availability.

Description: The Canadian Index of Multiple Deprivation (CIMD) is an area-based index which uses Census of Population microdata to measure four key dimensions of deprivation at the dissemination area (DA)-level: residential instability, economic dependency, situational vulnerability and ethno-cultural composition.

The CIMD allows for an understanding of inequalities in various measures of health and social well-being. While it is a geographically-based index of deprivation and marginalization, it can also be used as a proxy for an individual. The CIMD has the potential to be widely used by researchers on a variety of topics related to socio-economic research. Other uses for the index may include: policy planning and evaluation, or resource allocation.

Description:

The Canadian Index of Multiple Deprivation (CIMD) is an area-based index which uses Census of Population microdata to measure four key dimensions of deprivation at the dissemination area (DA)-level: residential instability, economic dependency, situational vulnerability and ethno-cultural composition. The CIMD allows for an understanding of inequalities in various measures of health and social well-being. While it is a geographically-based index of deprivation and marginalization, it can also be used as a proxy for an individual. The CIMD has the potential to be widely used by researchers on a variety of topics related to socio-economic research. Other uses for the index may include: policy planning and evaluation, or resource allocation.

Description: This electronic publication presents the methodology underlying the production of the life tables for Canada, provinces and territories.

Description:

The User Guide for the Canadian Index of Multiple Deprivation (CIMD) outlines uses for the index, as well as it provides a brief description of the methodology behind the development of the index. This User Guide also provides instructions on how to use the index, and lists considerations when using the CIMD data.

Description:

The mandate of the Analytical Studies Branch (ASB) is to provide high-quality, relevant and timely information on economic, health and social issues that are important to Canadians. The branch strategically makes use of expert knowledge and a large range of statistical sources to describe, draw inferences from, and make objective and scientifically supported deductions about the evolving nature of the Canadian economy and society. Research questions are addressed by applying leading-edge methods, including microsimulation and predictive analytics using a range of linked and integrated administrative and survey data. In supporting greater access to data, ASB linked data are made available to external researchers and policy makers to support evidence-based decision making. Research results are disseminated by the branch using a range of mediums (i.e., research papers, studies, infographics, videos, and blogs) to meet user needs. The branch also provides analytical support and training, feedback, and quality assurance to the wide range of programs within and outside Statistics Canada.

Description:

This paper describes the process that led to the creation of the new Disability Screening Questions (DSQ), jointly developped by Statistics Canada and Employment and Social Development Canada. The DSQ form a new module which can be put on general population surveys to allow comparisons of persons with and without a disability. The paper explains why there are two versions of the DSQ—a long and a short one—, the difference between the two, and how each version can be used.