How will these data be used?

Adding the FFQ and activity monitor sections to the NHANES allows our surveillance efforts to keep abreast of the most recent advances in our methodological research. Statistical techniques have been developed to incorporate information from an FFQ into usual dietary intake estimates, and recent studies indicate overwhelmingly that physical activity monitors are the most objective and efficient method of gathering data on physical activity.

This initiative directly responds to NCI's programmatic goals in the areas of Emerging Trends and Reducing Health Disparities. These additions to the NHANES will improve our ability to:

• estimate the number and percent of persons in the US population and designated subgroups with selected cancer risk factors;
• monitor trends in risk behaviors and environmental exposures;
• study relationships between diet, physical activity, and health; and
• establish and maintain a national probability sample of baseline information on physical activity and diet behaviors.