An NHANES dataset for analysis will typically include data from 2 or more years and variables from more than one component. You will append to combine the years of data and merge to include variables from different components.
NHANES data files are released for public use in 2-year groupings. You may wish to combine multiple years, add additional observations, or combine different years of data files on the same variables. The process of combining years is called appending.
Data files are organized by their collection method, which can fall under one of four components: Demographic, Examination, Laboratory, and Questionnaire. To allow for timelier releases, different components of the data files are usually released at different times as they are completed. Joining the components of the data files is called merging.
National Center for Health
Statistics
3311 Toledo Road
Hyattsville, MD 20782
Phone: 1-866-441-NCHS (6247)
For data inquiries, use
nchsquery@cdc.gov
Problems or comments about the Tutorial?
Email the Tutorial Team:
NHANESWebTutorial@cdc.gov
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Rd, Atlanta, GA 30333, U.S.A
Tel: (404) 639-3311 / Public Inquiries: (404) 639-3534 / (800) 311-3435