FAQ
What is the National Poll on Children's Health?
The C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital National Poll on Children’s Health (NPCH) is designed to measure current national public opinion, perceptions and priorities regarding major health care issues and trends for U.S. children and people in their communities. The NPCH, launched in 2007, is funded by the Department of Pediatrics and Communicable Diseases at the University of Michigan (U-M) Health System, and is located within the U-M Division of General Pediatrics Child Health Evaluation and Research (CHEAR) Unit.
Why is the NPCH being conducted?
Timely findings from the NPCH will contribute to national public dialogue on children’s health and health policy. Findings may also inform new policy initiatives and research ideas regarding a wide range of children's health issues, including obesity, bullying, insurance coverage, preventive services, access to care, smoking and other substance use, and other top health concerns for children and adolescents.
How is the NPCH conducted?
The NPCH conducts frequent polls on health and health policy issues for children and their families, using a nationally representative scientific probability sample of approximately 2000 U.S. households with and without children. The sample is obtained by using an innovative, rigorous, established web-based survey technology provided by a private vendor (Knowledge Networks). Each sample is subsequently weighted to reflect the latest U.S. population figures from the Census Bureau. Several children’s health topics are addressed in each poll.
Who conducts the NPCH?
The NPCH is directed by Matthew M. Davis, MD, MAPP, who is associate professor of pediatrics, internal medicine, and public policy at the University of Michigan Medical School and Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy. Sarah J. Clark, MPH, is associate director of the NPCH and Dianne C. Singer, MPH, manages the NPCH and edits publications of poll findings. Amy T. Butchart, MPH, is the data analyst. The NPCH is governed by an advisory board with expertise across a variety of fields.
How are findings from the NPCH reported?
Specific findings are presented as National Poll on Children's Health Reports, and available at http://www.med.umich.edu/mott/npch. For each Report, an accompanying podcast or Health Minute video is available. Findings appear in local, regional and national press and also in academic publications.
Future Polls
Polls are conducted to address a wide variety of children's health issues. The goal is to address issues that are timely and highly relevant to the public’s concerns about children’s health.
If you have suggestions for future NPCH topics or questions, please contact the NPCH staff at: NPCH@med.umich.edu or 734-615-3508.
