The Data Resource Center for Child & Adolescent Health provides an easy to use Interactive Data Query for all years of the NSCH and a Guide to NSCH changes across survey years.
Guidance for data users
How-to instructions for using the NSCH data.
- NSCH Enhancement Technical Document (PDF - 305 KB)
- Guide to Multiply Imputed Data Analysis (PDF - 392 KB)
- Guide to Multi-Year Analysis (PDF - 462 KB)
- NSCH Analytic Guide (PDF - 713 KB)
Data users can access the SAS and STATA Code Available for Title V MCH Block Grant Measures. The pooled SAS (ZIP - 20 KB) and STATA (ZIP - 16 KB) code is available for those interested in analyzing the new Title V MCH Block Grant measures informed by the NSCH. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please contact us at NSCH@hrsa.gov.
2026
- 2026 Household Screener (PDF - 2 MB) | 2026 Household Screener Spanish (PDF - 2 MB)
- 2026 Topical Questionnaire (Children, 0-5 years) (PDF - 5 MB) | 2026 Topical Questionnaire (Children, 0-5 years) Spanish (PDF - 5 MB)
- 2026 Topical Questionnaire (Children, 6-11 years) (PDF - 5 MB) | 2026 Topical Questionnaire (Children, 6-11 years) Spanish (PDF - 5 MB)
- 2026 Topical Questionnaire (Children, 12-17 years) (PDF - 5 MB) | 2026 Topical Questionnaire (Children, 12-17 years) Spanish (PDF - 5 MB)
2025
- 2025 Household Screener (PDF) | 2025 Household Screener Spanish (PDF - 2 MB)
- 2025 Topical Questionnaire (Children, 0-5 years) (PDF - 6 MB) | 2025 Topical Questionnaire (Children, 0-5 years) Spanish (PDF)
- 2025 Topical Questionnaire (Children, 6-11 years) (PDF - 6 MB) | 2025 Topical Questionnaire (Children, 6-11 years) Spanish (PDF - 1 MB)
- 2025 Topical Questionnaire (Children, 12-17 years) (PDF - 6 MB) | 2025 Topical Questionnaire (Children, 12-17 years) Spanish (PDF - 1 MB)
Methodology and data user FAQs
- 2025 FAQs (PDF - 605 KB)
- 2025 Source and Accuracy Statement (PDF - 1 MB)
- 2025 Survey and Sampling Administration Map
- 2025 Methodology Report (PDF - 1 MB)
- 2025 Nonresponse Bias Analysis: coming soon
Variable lists and frequencies
- 2025 Topical Variable List (PDF - 1 MB)
- 2025 Topical PUF Frequencies (PDF - 2 MB)
Data guide
- 2025 Guide to Topics and Questions Asked (PDF - 658 KB)
2024
- 2024 Household Screener (PDF) | 2024 Household Screener Spanish (PDF)
- 2024 Topical Questionnaire (Children, 0-5 years) (PDF) | 2024 Topical Questionnaire (Children, 0-5 years) Spanish (PDF - 4 MB)
- 2024 Topical Questionnaire (Children, 6-11 years) (PDF - 6 MB) | 2024 Topical Questionnaire (Children, 6-11 years) Spanish (PDF - 3 MB)
- 2024 Topical Questionnaire (Children, 12-17 years) (PDF) | 2024 Topical Questionnaire (Children, 12-17 years) Spanish (PDF)
Methodology and data user FAQs
- 2024 FAQs (PDF - 903 KB)
- 2024 Source and Accuracy Statement (PDF - 771 KB)
- 2024 Survey and Sampling Administration Map
- 2024 Methodology Report (PDF - 1 MB)
- 2024 Nonresponse Bias Analysis (PDF - 838 KB)
Variable lists and frequencies
- 2024 Screener Variable List (PDF - 1 MB)
- 2024 Topical Variable List (PDF - 1 MB)
- 2024 Screener PUF Frequencies (PDF - 1 MB)
- 2024 Topical PUF Frequencies (PDF - 2 MB)
Data guide
- 2024 Guide to Topics and Questions Asked (PDF - 653 KB)
2023
- 2023 Household Screener (PDF) | 2023 Household Screener Spanish (PDF)
- 2023 Topical Questionnaire (Children, 0-5 years) (PDF - 7 MB) | 2023 Topical Questionnaire (Children, 0-5 years) Spanish (PDF - 4 MB)
- 2023 Topical Questionnaire (Children, 6-11 years) (PDF) | 2023 Topical Questionnaire (Children, 6-11 years) Spanish (PDF - 3 MB)
- 2023 Topical Questionnaire (Children, 12-17 years) (PDF) | 2023 Topical Questionnaire (Children, 12-17 years) Spanish (PDF - 4 MB)
Methodology and data user FAQs
- 2023 FAQs (PDF - 578 KB)
- 2023 Source and Accuracy Statement (PDF - 722 KB)
- 2023 Survey and Sampling Administration Map (PDF - 619 KB)
- 2023 Methodology Report (PDF - 1 MB)
- 2023 Nonresponse Bias Analysis (PDF - 673 KB)
Variable lists and frequencies
- 2023 Screener Variable List (PDF - 883 KB)
- 2023 Topical Variable List (PDF - 2 MB)
- 2023 Screener PUF Frequencies (PDF - 940 KB)
- 2023 Topical PUF Frequencies (PDF - 3 MB)
Data guide
- 2023 Guide to Topics and Questions Asked (PDF - 613 KB)
2022
- 2022 Household Screener (PDF) | 2022 Household Screener Spanish (PDF)
- 2022 Topical Questionnaire (Children, 0-5 years) (PDF - 8 MB) | 2022 Topical Questionnaire (Children, 0-5 years) Spanish (PDF - 5 MB)
- 2022 Topical Questionnaire (Children, 6-11 years) (PDF - 4 MB) | 2022 Topical Questionnaire (Children, 6-11 years) Spanish (PDF - 4 MB)
- 2022 Topical Questionnaire (Children, 12-17 years) (PDF - 4 MB) | 2022 Topical Questionnaire (Children, 12-17 years) Spanish (PDF)
Methodology and data user FAQs
- 2022 FAQs (PDF - 508 KB)
- 2022 Source and Accuracy Statement (PDF - 638 KB)
- 2022 Survey and Sampling Administration Map (PDF - 620 KB)
- 2022 Methodology Report (PDF - 1018 KB)
- 2022 Nonresponse Bias Analysis (PDF - 631 KB)
Variable lists and frequencies
- 2022 Screener Variable List (PDF - 1 MB)
- 2022 Topical Variable List (PDF - 2 MB)
- 2022 Screener PUF Frequencies (PDF - 829 KB)
- 2022 Topical PUF Frequencies (PDF - 5 MB)
Data guide
- 2022 Guide to Topics and Questions Asked (PDF - 637 KB)
2021
- 2021 Household Screener (PDF) | 2021 Household Screener Spanish (PDF - 1 MB)
- 2021 Topical Questionnaire (Children, 0-5 years) (PDF - 1 MB) | 2021 Topical Questionnaire (Children, 0-5 years Spanish (PDF - 1 MB)
- 2021 Topical Questionnaire (Children, 6-11 years) (PDF) | 2021 Topical Questionnaire (Children, 6-11 years Spanish (PDF - 896 KB)
- 2021 Topical Questionnaire (Children, 12-17 years) (PDF) | 2021 Topical Questionnaire (Children, 12-17 years) Spanish (PDF)
Methodology and data user FAQs
- 2021 FAQs (PDF - 560 KB)
- 2021 Source and Accuracy Statement (PDF - 640 KB)
- 2021 Survey and Sampling Administration (PDF - 624 KB)
- 2021 Methodology Report (PDF - 1 MB)
- 2021 Non-Response Bias Analysis (PDF - 588 KB)
Variable lists and frequencies
- 2021 Screener Variable List (PDF - 1 MB)
- 2021 Topical Variable List (PDF - 2 MB)
- 2021 Screener PUF Frequencies (PDF - 869 KB)
- 2021 Topical PUF Frequencies (PDF - 5 MB)
Data guide
Note: See Sample Size footnote
Attention
Revised 2021 NSCH data files were released on October 2, 2023, and are available now on the 2021 Data Release page. Please read: weighting revisions technical document (PDF - 401 KB)
2020
- 2020 Household Screener (PDF) | 2020 Household Screener Spanish (PDF - 1 MB)
- 2020 Topical Questionnaire (Children, 0-5 years) (PDF - 1 MB) | 2020 Topical Questionnaire (Children, 0-5 years) Spanish (PDF - 2 MB)
- 2020 Topical Questionnaire (Children, 6-11 years) (PDF) | 2020 Topical Questionnaire (Children, 6-11 years) Spanish (PDF - 1006 KB)
- 2020 Topical Questionnaire (Children, 12-17 years) (PDF - 806 KB) | 2020 Topical Questionnaire (Children, 12-17 years) Spanish (PDF - 1 MB)
Methodology and data user FAQs
- 2020 FAQs (PDF - 547 KB)
- 2020 Source and Accuracy Statement (PDF - 638 KB)
- 2020 Survey and Sampling Administration Map (PDF - 600 KB)
- 2020 Methodology Report (PDF - 2 MB)
- 2020 Non-Response Bias Analysis (PDF - 661 KB)
Variable lists and frequencies
- 2020 Screener Variable List (PDF - 869 KB)
- 2020 Topical Variable List (PDF - 1 MB)
- 2020 Screener PUF Frequencies (PDF - 927 KB)
- 2020 Topical PUF Frequencies (PDF - 2 MB)
Data guide
- 2020 Guide to Topics and Questions Asked (PDF - 596 KB)
Note: See Sample Size footnote
Attention
Revised 2020 NSCH data files were released on April 24, 2024, and are available now on the 2020 Data Release page. Please read: weighting revisions technical document (PDF - 401 KB)
2019
- 2019 Household Screener (PDF) | 2020 Household Screener Spanish (PDF)
- 2019 Topical Questionnaire (Children, 0-5 years) (PDF) | 2019 Topical Questionnaire (Children, 0-5 years)Spanish (PDF - 759 KB)
- 2019 Topical Questionnaire (Children, 6-11 years) (PDF) | 2019 Topical Questionnaire (Children, 6-11 years) Spanish (PDF)
- 2019 Topical Questionnaire (Children, 12-17 years) (PDF) | 2019 Topical Questionnaire (Children, 12-17 years) Spanish (PDF - 784 KB)
Methodology and data user FAQs
- 2019 FAQs (PDF - 580 KB)
- 2019 Source and Accuracy Statement (PDF - 417 KB)
- 2019 Survey and Sampling Administration Map (PDF - 626 KB)
- 2019 Methodology Report (PDF - 1 MB)
- 2019 Non-Response Bias Analysis (PDF - 1 MB)
Variable lists and frequencies
- 2019 Screener Variable List (PDF - 744 KB)
- 2019 Topical Variable List (PDF - 1 MB)
- NSCH Crosswalk 2016-2019 (XLSX - 58 KB)
- 2019 Screener PUF Frequencies (PDF - 1004 KB)
- 2019 Topical PUF Frequencies (PDF - 2 MB)
Data guide
- 2019 Guide to Topics and Questions Asked (PDF - 595 KB)
Note: See Sample Size footnote
Attention
Revised 2019 NSCH data files were released on April 24, 2024, and are available now on the 2019 Data Release page. Please read: weighting revisions technical document (PDF - 401 KB)
2018
- 2018 Household Screener (PDF - 1 MB) | 2018 Household Screener Spanish (PDF - 1 MB)
- 2018 Topical Questionnaire (Children, 0-5 years) (PDF) | 2018 Topical Questionnaire (Children, 0-5 years Spanish (PDF - 1 MB)
- 2018 Topical Questionnaire (Children, 6-11 years) (PDF) | 2018 Topical Questionnaire (Children, 6-11 years) Spanish (PDF - 1 MB)
- 2018 Topical Questionnaire (Children, 12-17 years) (PDF) | 2018 Topical Questionnaire (Children, 12-17 years) Spanish (PDF)
Methodology and data user FAQs
- 2018 FAQs (PDF - 589 KB)
- 2018 Source and Accuracy Statement (PDF - 1 MB)
- 2018 Survey and Sampling Administration Map (PDF - 944 KB)
- 2018 Methodology Report (PDF - 1 MB)
- 2018 Non-Response Bias Analysis (PDF - 1 MB)
Variable lists and frequencies
- 2018 Screener Variable List (PDF - 1 MB)
- 2018 Topical Variable List (PDF - 2 MB)
- 2016-2018 NSCH Crosswalk (XLSX - 58 KB)
- 2018 Screener PUF Frequencies (PDF - 972 KB)
- 2018 Topical PUF Frequencies (PDF - 2 MB)
Data guide
- 2018 Guide to Topics & Questions Asked (PDF - 572 KB)
Note: See Sample Size footnote.
Attention
Revised 2018 NSCH data files were released on April 24, 2024, and are available now on the 2018 Data Release page. Please read: weighting revisions technical document (PDF - 401 KB)
2017
- 2017 Household Screener (PDF) | 2017 Household Screener Spanish (PDF)
- 2017 Topical Questionnaire (Children, 0-5 years) (PDF - 1 MB) | 2017 Topical Questionnaire (Children, 0-5 years) Spanish (PDF)
- 2017 Topical Questionnaire (Children, 6-11 years) (PDF) | 2017 Topical Questionnaire (Children, 6-11 years) Spanish (PDF - 1 MB)
- 2017 Topical Questionnaire (Children, 12-17 years) (PDF) | 2017 Topical Questionnaire (Children, 12-17 years) Spanish (PDF - 1 MB)
Methodology and data user FAQs
- 2017 FAQs (PDF - 518 KB)
- 2017 Source and Accuracy Statement (PDF)
- 2017 Survey and Sampling Administration Map (PDF)
- 2017 Methodology Report (PDF - 9 MB)
- 2017 Multiple Imputation Data Guide (PDF - 80 KB)
- 2017 Non-Response Bias Analysis (PDF - 1 MB)
- 2017 Multi-Year Analysis Guide (PDF - 811 KB)
Variable lists and frequencies
- 2017 Screener Variable List (PDF - 1 MB)
- 2017 Topical Variable List (PDF - 2 MB)
- 2016-2018 NSCH Crosswalk (XLSX - 58 KB)
- 2017 Screener PUF Frequencies (PDF - 981 KB)
- 2017 Topical PUF Frequencies (PDF - 2 MB)
Data guide
- 2017 Guide to Topics & Questions Asked (PDF - 966 KB)
Note: See Sample Size footnote.
Attention
Revised 2017 NSCH data files were released on April 24, 2024, and are available now on the 2017 Data Release page. Please read: weighting revisions technical document (PDF - 401 KB)
2016
- 2016 Household Screener (PDF) | 2016 Household Screener Spanish (PDF)
- 2016 Topical Questionnaire (Children, 0-5 years) (PDF) | 2016 Topical Questionnaire (Children, 0-5 years) Spanish (PDF - 1 MB)
- 2016 Topical Questionnaire (Children, 6-11 years) (PDF - 1 MB) | 2016 Topical Questionnaire (Children, 6-11 years)Spanish (PDF)
- 2016 Topical Questionnaire (Children, 12-17 years) (PDF) | 2016 Topical Questionnaire (Children, 12-17 years Spanish (PDF)
Methodology and data user FAQs
- 2016 FAQs (PDF)
- 2016 Source and Accuracy Statement (PDF - 480 KB)
- 2016 Survey and Sampling Administration Map (PDF)
- 2016 Methodology Report (PDF)
- 2016 NSCH Guide to Analysis with Multiple Imputed Data (PDF)
- 2016 Non-Response Bias Analysis (PDF - 1 MB)
Variable lists and frequencies
- 2016 Screener Variable List (PDF - 1 MB)
- 2016 Topical Variable List (PDF - 2 MB)
- 2016 Screener PUF Frequencies (PDF - 1 MB)
- 2016 Topical PUF Frequencies (PDF - 4 MB)
Supplemental documents
- 2016 Insurance (PDF - 180 KB)
- 2016 Geography (PDF - 98 KB)
Data guide
Title V changes
Note: See Sample Size footnote.
Attention
Revised 2016 NSCH data files were released on April 24, 2024, and are available now on the 2016 Data Release page. Please read: weighting revisions technical document (PDF - 401 KB)
A note on sample size
In both individual year and multi-year analyses, the NSCH sample size may be limited for smaller populations (e.g., American Indian (AI) /Alaska Native (AN)) and state-level subgroups or rare outcomes (e.g., adolescent children with special health care needs (CSHCN) or autism in a particular state).
Small sample sizes may produce unstable estimates.
To minimize misinterpretation, we recommend only presenting statistics with a sample size or unweighted denominator of 30 or more.
Additionally, if the 95% confidence interval width exceeds 20 percentage points or 1.2 times the estimate (≈ relative standard error>30%), we recommend flagging for poor reliability and/or presenting a measure of statistical reliability (e.g., confidence intervals or statistical significance testing) to promote appropriate interpretation.
Citing this Webpage and the NSCH Data
This webpage:
Health Resources and Services Administration, Maternal and Child Health Bureau. National Survey of Children’s Health, <year(s)>. Administered by the U.S. Census Bureau. Accessed <Month Day, Year>: https://mchb.hrsa.gov/data-research/national-survey-childrens-health
NSCH data:
Health Resources and Services Administration, Maternal and Child Health Bureau. [Data Year(s)] National Survey of Children’s Health Public Use Microdata File, [SAS/STATA]. Administered by the U.S. Census Bureau. Retrieved [MM/DD/YYY] from: https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/nsch/data/datasets.html