Collection and use of statistics and data is a fundamental part of public health practice. As a future practitioner, it is important you know how to find useful data sets and reports. Here are some tips:
Think to yourself "Who cares about this data?" Often you will decide it is a local, state, national, or international governmental body or organization. Then, visit the corresponding websites.
Use a data-specific search tool such as CDC Wonder or WHO's Global Health Observatory
Try a well formed Google search. Using advanced search techniques can help you narrow the millions of results a basic Google search returns. For example, compare the following keyword searches:
An analysis of national health on a state-by-state basis by evaluating a historical and comprehensive set of health, environmental and socioeconomic data to determine national health benchmarks and state rankings.
An easy-to-use, menu-driven system that makes the information resources of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) available to public health professionals and the public at large.
The annual Rankings provide a revealing snapshot of how health is influenced by where we live, learn, work and play. They provide a starting point for change in communities.
The primary way to access Census Bureau data, including upcoming releases from the 2018 American Community Survey, 2017 Economic Census, 2020 Census, and more.
national trends in health statistics on such topics as birth and death rates, infant mortality, life expectancy, morbidity and health status, risk factors, use of ambulatory and inpatient care, health personnel and facilities, financing of health care, health insurance and managed care, and other health topics.
A project of the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation that provides free, up-to-date, and easy-to-use health data for all 50 states, the District of Columbia, the United States, counties, territories, and other geographies.
Provides members of the public health surveillance community organized, easy access to guidance developed by CDC and its partners for improving the practice of surveillance.
