More than 500 public-use
data files, representing most of NCHS data collection programs, are available for purchase
and use in CD-ROM format. The majority of the data files released by NCHS contain the encoded numeric
responses (microdata) obtained through its data collection instruments.
Public-use data are released in a
number of formats, CD-ROM, diskette, and selected data are available on the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC)/FTP server.
Public-use data
stored on CD-ROM and diskette Public-use data on
CD-ROM and diskette come in ASCII and as indicated, the Statistical Export and Tabulation
System (SETS) retrieval software. Documentation for each study is included on the CD-ROM.
The SETS Interface provides
the user:
Direct access to microdata
Translation of field and value
labels
Complex boolean search engine for
data and documentation
Ad hoc tabulation using spreadsheet
capabilities
Data export to dBase and SAS, SPSS,
BMDP, and EPI INFO
Time estimates for completion of
tables and reports
Context-sensitive help at all levels
Global search of all documentation
from any point in the system
Basic requirements needed to
use the CD-ROMs are:
IBM-compatible microcomputer 286 or
higher with 640K of memory MS-DOS 3.1 or higher
2 to 10 megabytes of free space on a
hard drive
Microsoft CD-ROM Extensions
(version) 2.0 or higher
A fully installed CD-ROM reader
You can also create your own data sets
using the (SETS)
technology.