What is the California Health Interview Survey?
The California Health Interview Survey (CHIS) is a biennial telephone survey that provides population-based, standardized health-related data from households selected from all 58 counties in the state. Fielded for the first time in 2001 as a biennial survey, in 2011 and beyond CHIS will be fielded as a continuous survey. The survey is designed to provide information on: • the health of California’s adults and children, including physical and mental health status, prevalence and management of chronic diseases, and diet and exercise; • health insurance coverage, access to preventive and other health services, and barriers to use of health services; and • eligibility for and participation in state health programs. California has the nation’s most racially, ethnically, and linguistically diverse population. As a result, the health and health care needs of these population groups is an important focus of the survey. Groups of particular interest include African-Americans, Latinos and Hispan
