An official website of the United States governmentEpidemiology Program
About
The epidemiology program is responsible for the design, implementation, and analyses of high-quality surveys and longitudinal studies that further understanding of complementary health approaches and chronic pain, as well as factors that contribute to resilience, well-being, and health restoration. To achieve these goals, the epidemiology staff uses both quantitative and qualitative epidemiologic research methods to explore various topics, such as the prevalence, costs, and reasons for use of complementary health approaches, and disparities in disabling pain and its management within various subpopulations. Qualitative studies collect information from interviews and focus groups to develop valid questionnaires that explore systems, practices, and products generally not included in conventional medicine. These studies also serve as valuable additions to experimental and observational research examining the effects of chronic pain on a person’s life. The epidemiology program at NCCIH has collaborated on projects with Institutes, Centers, and Offices across the National Institutes of Health exploring the predictors and effects of myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome and the long-term effects of COVID-19.
Chief
Richard L. Nahin, Ph.D., M.P.H., is NCCIH’s lead epidemiologist. He collaborates with Federal and academic partners to provide reliable estimates of the use of complementary health approaches in the United States, including prevalence, costs, and reasons for use. His responsibilities include oversight of the design, implementation, and analyses of supplements to the National Health Interview Survey and the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey on complementary health approaches. Read more about Richard L. Nahin.