Summary health statistics for the U.S. population: National Health Interview Survey, 2001.

Abstract

Objectives: This report presents health statistics from the 2001 National Health Interview Survey for the civilian noninstitutionalized population of the United States, classified by age, sex, race and Hispanic or Latino origin, family income, poverty status, education, place of residence, region of residence, and, where appropriate, health insurance coverage. The topics covered are health status and limitations in activities, special education or early intervention services, injuries and poisonings, health care access and utilization, and health insurance coverage.

Source of data: The NHIS is a household, multistage probability sample survey conducted annually by interviewers of the U.S. Census Bureau for the Centers for Disease Control's National Center for Health Statistics. Household interviews were completed for 100,760 persons living in 38,932 households, reflecting a household response rate of 89%.

Selected highlights: Nearly 7 in 10 persons were in excellent or very good health in 2001. About 33 million persons (12%) were limited in their usual activities due to one or more chronic health conditions, and about 4 million persons (2%) required the help of another person with activities of daily living. Persons with the least education and the lowest incomes were the most likely to be limited in their ability to work. About 6% of children received special education or early intervention services. The three leading causes of medically attended injury and poisoning episodes were falls, transportation, and overexertion. Among persons under age 65 years, about 39 million (16%) did not have any health insurance coverage. The most common reason for lacking health insurance was cost, followed by a change in employment.