Importing Other Data
If using data from a population-based source other than SEER*Stat, HD*Calc has a method to use a special data import dialog to provide specifications for a regular text file. Refer to the tutorials on preparing input data files to learn how to create a data input file from the California Health Interview Survey (CHIS).
- To import the data, launch HD*Calc, select select Open... from the File Menu.
- Change the Files of type option to Import Text Files (*.txt, *.dat., *.csv).
- Browse to the location of the text file and select Open.
- The HD*Calc Data Import Dialog screen displays when the file is opened.
- In the edit box at the top please provide a Title for your input data. This title will be displayed with the resulting disparity measures.
- Use the Dictionary File edit box to select a file for storing your data input specifications.
- The checkbox indicating that your Data File Contains Column Headers should be checked if your data contains column headers.
- Check the box to indicate that your Statistics are Sorted by All Variables In Their Order. This will speed up retrieval of records during computation.
- Select Fields Are Character Delimited and choose the appropriate Delimiter for your text file.
- You must now specify a Field Type for each field in the List of Fields. Use the Add or Change buttons to open the Edit Format dialog to provide the specifications for each field/variable, including the variable type. A Disparity Variable, a Time Variable, and a Rate Statistic are required. A Population Count is required for some of the disparity measures. Add a Standard Error Statistic if you wish to take advantage of the full functionality of the program, both in terms of related measure information and graphic display selections.
- Select OK when the data specifications are complete.
- You will be reminded that some disparity measures apply only to groups that have an inherent ranking, such as by income or education.
- Select Ok. HD*Calc will automatically calculate the corresponding values for each of the disparity's measures. You are now ready to view the information contained under each tab heading.