Existing population-based health databases: useful resources for nursing research

Area of Science:

• Nursing
• Health Services Research
• Public Health

Background:

• Population-based health databases are crucial for addressing research questions on health conditions and disparities.
• Government-funded federal databases provide representative samples for nurse researchers.
• Accessibility of these databases via federal websites facilitates analysis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify and discuss accessible, population-based health databases for nurse researchers.
• To highlight the benefits and limitations of using these databases for research.
• To underscore their contribution to evidence-based practice and health policy.

Main Methods:

• Review and discussion of government-funded, federal population-based health databases.
• Utilizing examples from surveys like the National Health Interview Survey and National Survey of Children's Health.
• Focus on databases collected through rigorous probability sampling and data collection methods.

Main Results:

• Databases such as the National Health Interview Survey and National Sample Survey of Registered Nurses are valuable resources.
• These databases yield generalizable findings applicable to the study population.
• Analysis of databases like the National Survey of Children's Health reveals benefits and limitations.

Conclusions:

• Population-based studies using federal databases provide significant health-related information.
• Findings support the development of recommendations for healthcare practice and policy.
• Analysis of these databases enhances nursing's contribution to health policy and evidence-based practice.