NHIS Occupational Health Supplement

Data Dictionary
For Everyone

At a glance

The following describes variables collected by the 2015 NHIS Occupational Supplement used to analyze worker health. These variables are included in the Worker Health Chart (WHC) tool.

General exposures

(1) Subtopic lists the topics/subtopics/query options included in worker health charts (e.g. employment status, race, sex). (2) Question provides either the exact wording of the question as administered during the survey or a paraphrase of the question for brevity. When multiple variables were used to create a calculated variable, the original variable name(s) is included in parentheses after the each question, if available. (3) Variable Name lists the names given by the NHIS program to each variable. When multiple variables were used for Subtopic calculations, all variables are listed. (4) Notes provide additional information about the variable.

Carpal tunnel syndrome

(1) Subtopic lists the topics/subtopics/query options included in worker health charts (e.g. employment status, race, sex). (2) Question provides either the exact wording of the question as administered during the survey or a paraphrase of the question for brevity. When multiple variables were used to create a calculated variable, the original variable name(s) is included in parentheses after the each question, if available. (3) Variable Name lists the names given by the NHIS program to each variable. When multiple variables were used for Subtopic calculations, all variables are listed. (4) Notes provide additional information about the variable.

Low back pain

(1) Subtopic lists the topics/subtopics/query options included in worker health charts (e.g. employment status, race, sex). (2) Question provides either the exact wording of the question as administered during the survey or a paraphrase of the question for brevity. When multiple variables were used to create a calculated variable, the original variable name(s) is included in parentheses after the each question, if available. (3) Variable Name lists the names given by the NHIS program to each variable. When multiple variables were used for Subtopic calculations, all variables are listed. (4) Notes provide additional information about the variable.

Psychosocial occupational exposures

(1) Subtopic lists the topics/subtopics/query options included in worker health charts (e.g. employment status, race, sex). (2) Question provides either the exact wording of the question as administered during the survey or a paraphrase of the question for brevity. When multiple variables were used to create a calculated variable, the original variable name(s) is included in parentheses after the each question, if available. (3) Variable Name lists the names given by the NHIS program to each variable. When multiple variables were used for Subtopic calculations, all variables are listed. (4) Notes provide additional information about the variable.
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Content Source
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
About This Page
Published: May 15, 2024
Updated: October 28, 2026

This page was last updated on this date. Updates may include minor edits, image changes, or other modifications to page content.

Reviewed: December 14, 2023

The information on this page was last reviewed by subject matter experts to ensure accuracy.