NHIS – Data Science Project
Description:
The IPUMS NHIS (National Health Interview Survey) dataset provides comprehensive data about individual health, access to medical care, and health-related behaviours in the United States. This dataset encompasses a wide array of information, including self-reported overall medical conditions, the prevalence of both acute and chronic illnesses, functional limitations, trends in healthcare utilisation, health behaviours such as physical activity and dietary habits, health insurance coverage, and demographic variables such as age, gender, race, educational level, and household composition. It also contains critical data on immunisation rates, mental health indicators, prescription drug usage, reproductive wellness, profiles of healthcare spending, environmental and occupational exposures, and challenges encountered while seeking medical attention.
Aim of the Project:
Analysis of Falls (How the person fell and reason for fall) for the following age groups: 55-64; 65-84 and 84+.
Dataset Selected:
Falls (Injury) Data from 2010-2017 (Customized Data Extract)
https://nhis.ipums.org/nhis/
Workflow:
• data preparation
• weighted mean calculation and segmentation.
• visualizations
While it is typical to see that children fall more frequently, adults actually have the highest rate of falls per person. This means that, on average, adults are more prone to falling compared to children when considering the frequency of falls per individual. This emphasizes the importance of addressing fall prevention methods, particularly in adult populations, in order to reduce the potential impact of falls on health and well-being.
Key Findings:
1. Slipping, tripping, and loss of balance are prevalent causes of falls/ injuries among individuals aged 55 and above.
2. Falls caused by furniture and ground/floor have increased in the 55-64 age group, emphasizing the importance of furniture safety and reducing tripping hazards.
3. People over 55 often experience falls or injuries on the floor or escalator.