Public Use Data File Documentation: 1994 Multiple Cause of Death Data

This document serves as the official documentation for the 1994 Public Use Data File concerning multiple causes of death. Prepared by the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS), part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), this resource is essential for researchers and public health professionals.

The documentation provides comprehensive guidance for accessing and effectively utilizing the 1994 multiple cause-of-death public-use tape file. It details the technical data processing information necessary to work with the tapes, including the classification structure and coding rules applied to create each variable on the file. Users can assess the relevance of the data at various levels of detail for their specific research needs.

Key Information Covered:

• Data File Characteristics: Details on the structure and content of the 1994 mortality data files.
• Tape Format and Variable Definition: Comprehensive descriptions of variables, categories, and their locations on the public-use tapes.
• Multiple Cause Data: Explanation of entity axis codes and record axis codes, including the TRANSAX system for data translation.
• Geographic Codes: Information on metropolitan statistical area designations updated based on the 1990 Census.
• Data Access and Interpretation: Guidance on potential pitfalls of interpretation and the appropriate use of multiple cause data for various applications.

This documentation also highlights changes in data collection and processing, such as the revised U.S. Standard Certificate of Death implemented in 1989, which introduced new items like educational attainment and Hispanic origin. It is crucial for users to review this documentation carefully to ensure accurate analysis and interpretation of the 1994 mortality data.