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Tutorial 2

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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).

  1. To import the data, launch HD*Calc, select select Open... from the File Menu.
  2. Change the Files of type option to Import Text Files (*.txt, *.dat., *.csv).
  3. Browse to the location of the text file and select Open.
  4. The HD*Calc Data Import Dialog screen displays when the file is opened.
    1. 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.
    2. Use the Dictionary File edit box to select a file for storing your data input specifications.
    3. The checkbox indicating that your Data File Contains Column Headers should be checked if your data contains column headers.
    4. 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.
    5. Select Fields Are Character Delimited and choose the appropriate Delimiter for your text file.
    6. 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.
    7. Select OK when the data specifications are complete.
  5. You will be reminded that some disparity measures apply only to groups that have an inherent ranking, such as by income or education. 
  6. 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.
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