Subject Guides in the Health and Life Sciences

Resources in Public Health: Sources by Location

If you need statistics about a particular region, the following sites can help. They are broken down into the following levels:

• International
• United States
• State (emphasis on California)
• County and City (emphasis on Los Angeles)

International Level

• WHO Statistical Information System
  The World Health Organization (WHO) provides health-related statistics on an international level. Pay particular attention to the sections “General Statistical Information,” “Causes of Death” and “Statistical Annex of the World Health Report.” WHO also provides links to demographic information on member states, see “List of WHO Member States,” and national health-related information, see “Links to National Health-Related Websites.”

• Demographic and Health Surveys
  This program compiles information specifically on developing nations. It is funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development.

• DOLPHN
  Data Online for Population, Health and Nutrition (DOLPHN) is designed to give quick access to statistics from a variety of sources on countries worldwide. It is provided by the United States Agency on International Development (USAID), and provides both comprehensive country reports and the opportunity to create individualized tables.

• UNICEF Statistical Data
  UNICEF provides statistical information specifically relating to children and families.

• IDB Summary Demographic Data
  The U.S. Census Bureau provides summary demographic data on a country-by-country basis.

• United Nations Statistics Division
  This site provides a listing of national statistical publications and websites. 

United States, National Level

• Health, United States, 2004
  The National Center for Health Statistics provides detailed health statistics for the United States. See “Hints for Use” for help on how to use the files.

• DATA2010
  DATA2010 is based on the “Healthy People 2010: Objectives for Improving Health” program. The program tracks data on 487 objectives in 28 focus areas for the United States as a whole. Certain indicators are also provided on a state level. The actual data is provided through the CDC Wonder system. To use the data tables, you can either log on as an anonymous user or register.

• FastStats
  Available through the National Center for Health Statistics, this site provides topical information on a national level, as well as specific information on a state-by-state basis.

• American FactFinder
  Maintained by the U.S. Census Bureau, this site provides easy access to Census demographic information, as well as national maps and the more detailed U.S. Census Bureau home page.

State Level

• California Health Interview Survey
  Provided by the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research, the California Department of Health Services, and the Public Health Institute, this site allows you to create state and local tables based on the information gathered in the California Health Interview Survey. The survey is performed every two years.

• Census State Data Centers
  This site provides links to state information related to the U.S. Census Bureau.

• Counting California Available at: http://countingcalifornia.cdlib.org/
  Provided by the Library of California and California Digital Library, this site has detailed information on a state, county and city level. Information is generally arranged in a topical manner.

• State Health Facts Online
  This site is sponsored by the Kaiser Family Foundation and provides information on a number of health and demographic indicators.

• State and County QuickFacts
  QuickFacts is a part of the U.S. Census Bureau site, and provides demographic information on a state and county level. In addition to summary data, the site also provides links to more in-depth information sources.

• Vital Statistics Data Tables
  This site is sponsored by the California Department of Health Services and provides vital statistics on a state and county level, in table format.

• Disease Trends: State and Local Health Statistics
  Part of the Centers for Disease Control, this site allows you to search the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report for information on a specific state, as well as New York City, the District of Columbia and certain U.S. territories.

County and City Level

• Center for Health Statistics Vital Statistics Query System
  Provided by the California Department of Health Services, this site provides vital statistics for the state of California on a county level.

• Counting California
  Provided by the Library of California and California Digital Library, this site has detailed information on a state, county and city level. Information is generally arranged in a topical manner.

• State and County QuickFacts
  QuickFacts is a part of the U.S. Census Bureau site and provides demographic information on a state and county level. In addition to summary data, the site also provides links to more in-depth information sources.

• Vital Statistics Data Tables
  This site is sponsored by the California Department of Health Services and provides vital statistics on a state and county level, in table format.

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