Introduction

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The Canadian Health Measures Survey (CHMS) is the most extensive national survey on physical health measures ever conducted in the country. Data collection consists of two steps, a personal interview at the respondent's household followed later by a visit to the CHMS mobile clinic where physical measurements and blood and urine samples are taken.

The CHMS captures a broad portrait of the health of Canadians by gathering baseline data on a variety of concerns, including cardiovascular health, nutritional status, chronic diseases and physical activity, as well as exposure to infectious diseases and environmental contaminants. The survey collects health information that can't be otherwise captured, or that may be inaccurately reported, through self-report questionnaires or health care records.

The CHMS is conducted by Statistics Canada in partnership with Health Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada.

During CHMS cycle 1, physical measurements were collected in 15 sites across Canada from about 5,600 people representing the Canadian population aged 6 to 79. Collection sites were located in five provinces: New Brunswick, Quebec, Ontario, Alberta and British Columbia. Collection started in March 2007 and continued until February 2009. Data are representative at the national level.

This publication is part of the release of CHMS data that began in January 2010. Data are presented by gender and the following age groups (depending on the measure): 6 to 11 years, 12 to 19 years, 20 to 39 years, 40 to 59 years and 60 to 79 years.

Each release of data will be accompanied by data tables, a user guide, derived variable documentation, and several articles published in Health Reports, a quarterly peer-reviewed journal published by Statistics Canada.

For additional information about the Canadian Health Measures Survey: