4324.0 - Information Paper: National Health Survey, Sample File on Magnetic Media, 1995, 1997  
ARCHIVED ISSUE Released at 11:30 AM (CANBERRA TIME) 20/01/1998   
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OVERVIEW



INTRODUCTION

This publication provides information about the release of microdata from the 1995 National Health Survey. The data are released as a Confidentialised Unit Record File (CURF) on CD-ROM and floppy disk under the conditions set out in this publication and with the approval of the Australian Statistician.

The CURF will enable purchasers to tabulate, manipulate and analyse data to their own specifications. More detailed information to assist in using the CURF and interpreting the data will be provided in a technical paper which will accompany the file.

ABOUT THE SURVEY

The National Health Survey (NHS), conducted throughout Australia during the period February 1995 to January 1996, obtained information on the health status of Australians, their use of health services and facilities and about health-related aspects of their lifestyle such as smoking, alcohol consumption and exercise.

Information was obtained from residents of a sample of 23,800 private dwellings (houses, flats, etc.) and non-private dwellings (hotels, motels, boarding houses, caravan parks etc).

Households were selected at random using a stratified multi-stage area sample which ensured that persons within each State and Territory had a known and, in the main, an equal chance of selection in the survey.

The survey sample in Victoria, South Australia, the Northern Territory and the Australian Capital Territory was increased at the request of, and with additional funding by, the health authorities in those States and Territories.

The following groups of persons were excluded from the survey: Diplomatic personnel of overseas governments and non-Australian members of their households; non-Australian service personnel stationed in Australia and their dependants; and overseas visitors whose usual place of residence was outside Australia. Residents of hospitals, nursing and convalescent homes, boarding schools, prisons, reformatories and single quarters of military establishments were also excluded.

Detailed information about the survey is contained in the National Health Survey: Users' Guide, 1995 (Cat. no. 4363.0). An overview of survey results is contained in National Health Survey: Summary of Results, 1995 (Cat. no. 4364.0). In addition to
these publications and the CURF, an extensive range of other published and unpublished data is available, or is proposed for release. Inquiries should be directed to Brian Richings on Canberra (02) 6252 5786.