Many people use the terms data and statistics interchangeably. Strictly speaking, however, "data is the raw information from which statistics are created. Put in the reverse, statistics provide an interpretation and summary of data" (MSU Libraries. What is the difference between Data and Statistics?).
| It's important to assess statistics and data as carefully as you would any other type of source. For example, relevance, the credibility of the creator(s) and the quality of accompanying documentation all play a role in determining whether a particular dataset or statistic is meaningful for the precise topic you are researching. You'll need to do some digging to make your assessments. |
Ask yourself:
Survey-derived data/statistics: Who / what was surveyed? Do the demographic groups or geographic region covered in the survey match your needs?
Did the survey / study run long enough to generate meaningful results?
Is the source a credible statistical agency or researcher with expertise in the discipline?
For datasets in particular:
1) Are the Metadata complete and accurate? e.g., creator name(s) & contact information, academic affiliation(s), title of dataset(s), abstract, doi etc.
2) What sort of additional documentation has been provided to ensure that the datasets will be comprehensible to you? e.g.,
Are the original research transcripts/questionnaires/surveys included with the data?
Is there a codebook or data dictionary explaining variable labels/codes used?
Is there a ReadMe file with any other information needed to make complete sense of the data?
Is there a version log detailing how each new file version was changed, by whom and for what reason?
Statistics
The following is not an exhaustive list of potentially useful statistical sources / agencies for health-related research, but a great start:
The BC Centres for Disease Control is the primary agency for monitoring population health for the province. Its data and reports portal include statistical dashboards on topics including antimicrobial resistance, childhood immunization, COVID-19 and chronic disease.
The Health Statistics Branch of Statistics Canada provides "data and insights about the health of the population."
Canadian Institute for Health Information: Research focus: the Canadian public health system and so is an excellent source of statistics and data on topics including wait times, hospitalization, experiences, statistics on various types of surgeries etc.
First Nations Information Governance Centre (FNIGC) collects data in First Nations communities, e.g., the First Nations Regional Health Survey. using an approach built on an inherent respect for Indigenous data sovereignty as embodied by the First Nations principles of OCAP®
Statistics pertaining to First Nations health topics are also available at First Nations Health Authority in BC
First Nations Community Survey (FNCS) - explores "real-world factors, ranging from shelter, infrastructure, and housing to education, employment, and social services."
The OECD is an intergovernmental organization comprised of highly industrialized nations. It provides statistics on a wide variety of topics including social issues/mobility and health; also maintains a "data explorer" where you can find extensive international health statistics.
The WHO coordinates "the world’s response to health emergencies" and works to "prevent disease and expand access to health care." Its flagship publication is the annual World Health Statistics report.
The CDC's National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) is the principal health statistics agency for the United States and provides statistics arising from its national health care surveys, surveys on health & nutrition, fertility & family growth and more.
Open health data