# Available NHANES Datasets

## Available Datasets

This package provides 340 NHANES datasets, automatically updated annually with data from 1999-2023 (excluding the 2019-2020 cycle).

### Quick Start

    library(nhanesdata)

    # Load demographics data
    demo <- read_nhanes('demo')

    # Search for variables
    term_search('blood pressure')

> Easter Egg: Mortality Linkage Data

> The package includes harmonized NHANES-linked mortality data accessible via `read_nhanes("mortality")`. This dataset links NHANES participants to death certificate records from the National Death Index (NDI), enabling survival analysis and mortality risk studies.

> Key features:
> * Follow-up through December 31, 2019
> * Cause-specific mortality (ICD-10 codes)
> * Person-months of follow-up
> * Vital status and mortality flags

> Important: Mortality linkage requires understanding of survey weights, censoring, and survival analysis methods. Always consult the NCHS data linkage documentation and the NHANES analytic guidelines before analyzing mortality outcomes.

> See the Public-Use Linked Mortality Files for methodology and variable definitions.

### Categories

Questionnaire/Interview Tables - Self-reported data from participant interviews

Examination Tables - Physical measurements and laboratory results

### Notes

- All datasets span multiple survey cycles (1999-2023)
- Each includes `year` and `seqn` columns for merging
- Data types are harmonized across cycles
- Variable names match CDC documentation

For detailed variable information, use `term_search()` or visit the CDC NHANES website.

> Warning: CDC may change data periodically. The data was aggregated as best as possible to reconcile variable types that changed across cycles. ALWAYS reference the CDC documentation with `nhanesdata::get_url(dataset)`!

> See `get_url()` documentation.