2015 Public-Use Linked Mortality Files

Public-use Linked Mortality Files (LMF) are available for 1986-2014 NHIS, 1999-2014 NHANES, and NHANES III.  The files include a limited set of mortality variables for adult participants only. The public-use versions of the NCHS Linked Mortality Files were subjected to data perturbation techniques to reduce the risk of participant re-identification. For select records, synthetic data were substituted for follow-up time or underlying cause of death. Information regarding vital status was not perturbed.

Data Files and Data Dictionaries

• File Description: Public-Use 2015 LMF pdf icon[PDF – 175 KB]
• Public-Use Data Dictionary: Public-Use 2015 LMF pdf icon[PDF – 101 KB]
• Public-Use Linked Mortality Files: FTP Site
• Software Programs:
  • Sample SAS program sas icon[SAS – 12 KB]
  • Sample Stata program [DO – 6 KB]
  • Sample R program

Comparability with Restricted-Use Files

A report comparing the public-use and restricted-use NHIS Linked Mortality Files is available here:

• Comparative Analysis of the National Health Interview Survey Public-use and Restricted-use Linked Mortality Filespdf icon

For more information about accessing the restricted-use linked mortality files, please consult the Restricted-Use Linked Mortality Data page.