FLASHE Public Use Data Files and Supporting Documentation

This page contains data files (available in SAS and SPSS formats), survey instruments, and other documentation to assist you in analyzing FLASHE data.

Adolescent and parent data

Adolescents ages 12-17 were surveyed about their diet, physical activity, and demographics. The results are saved in separate data sets that can be linked across files using participant or dyad identification numbers.

• Download adolescent demographic data (SAS, SPSS)
• Download adolescent diet data (SAS, SPSS) – Updated October 2017
• Download adolescent physical activity data (SAS, SPSS) – Added October 2017

Parents of adolescents were surveyed about diet, physical activity, and demographics. The results are saved in separate data sets that can be linked across files using participant or dyad identification numbers.

• Download parent demographic data (SAS, SPSS)
• Download parent diet data (SAS, SPSS) – Updated October 2017
• Download parent physical activity data (SAS, SPSS) – Added October 2017

A multiply imputed dataset is provided to facilitate analyses with eight variables in the parent physical activity survey that had a high percent of missing data. More information can be found in the FLASHE data users guide and methodology report.

• Download multiple imputation dataset (coming soon!)

Survey instruments

• Adolescent demographic survey instrument (PDF)
• Adolescent diet survey instrument (PDF)
• Adolescent physical activity survey instrument (PDF)
• Parent demographic survey instrument (PDF)
• Parent diet survey instrument (PDF)
• Parent physical activity survey instrument (PDF)

Methods summary and data user guides

• Codebook (XLS)
• Data user’s guide (PDF)
• FLASHE methods summary report (PDF)
• Item source and reference list - Diet (PDF)
• Item source and reference list - Physical activity (PDF)

GeoFLASHE data and resources

GeoFLASHE data are neighborhood characteristics calculated for use with FLASHE survey data. These data are available for data users to merge with FLASHE survey data to conduct analyses examining neighborhood characteristics and behavior.

• Codebook (XLS)
• GeoFLASHE methods report (PDF)
• GeoFLASHE data (SPSS, SAS) – Added August 2018

Dyadic analysis resources

FLASHE data can be used to conduct individual- or dyadic-level analyses. The dyadic analysis resource page and introductory webinar provide information on conducting dyadic analyses with FLASHE data.

Share your FLASHE projects

FLASHE Data Users – tell us how you are using FLASHE data!

Your responses will help us understand how the data are being used. Please email a brief description of your project and/ or a list of presentations or manuscripts to nciflashe@mail.nih.gov. Your responses will not be shared with the public.

FAQ

1. What does FLASHE stand for?
   FLASHE is the acronym given to this cross-sectional, internet-based survey. It stands for Family Life, Activity, Sun, Health, and Eating study.
2. Why was this survey created?
   The survey was created so researchers can examine cancer-preventive behaviors in adolescents and their parents. The survey includes comprehensive questions about diet, physical activity, sedentary behavior, sleep patterns, sun safety, and tobacco use. This type of comprehensive information has not been included in other publicly available data resources. The goal of the study is to better understand the dynamic relationship between environment, psychosocial factors, and behavior from a parent-adolescent perspective.
3. When was the survey conducted?
   The survey was conducted between April and October 2014.
4. What was the sample size of this study?
   To view the sample size, see the FLASHE flowchart.
5. How can these data be used for cancer control?
   The data can be used to identify significant associations in cancer-preventive health behaviors among parents and their adolescent children. Researchers and public health practitioners can use the findings to develop targeted health interventions.
6. What is the funding statement for the FLASHE study?
   The FLASHE Study was funded by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) under contract number HHSN261201200039I issued to Westat, Inc.
7. Who designed the survey?
   This survey was designed through extensive and thoughtful input from scientists and program officials in the federal government, nonprofit organizations, and several academic institutions.
8. Who conducted the survey?
   Westat, Inc., a research group based in Rockville, Maryland.
9. How were participants recruited?
   The sample was drawn from an already existing group of respondents. Ipsos, a panel research organization, invites people to join its panel through print ads, internet banner ads, random digit dialing omnibus surveys, and panelist referrals. Ipsos screened its participants to identify eligible households. Within each household, one adolescent was selected from the eligible adolescents living there. Ipsos provided the sample of eligible households to Westat, which sent out invitations to participate in the FLASHE study.
10. Did participants get paid for their participation?
    Yes. All participants received $5 for each completed survey or $10 for completing the survey early. Participants received either $20 or $40 for returning the accelerometer after completing the motion study.
11. How do I contact the program?
    Please email: nciflashe@mail.nih.gov
12. Do I need permission to use the data?
    No. All data sets from the FLASHE study are available for free download. You will need to agree to certain terms to maintain data integrity.
13. Will I be contacted by the National Cancer Institute in the future?
    We might send emails when updates to the FLASHE dataset are available.
14. Where can I find information on sampling procedures?
    You can download the methodology report and data user’s guide.
15. Where can I find information about dyadic analysis?
    Go to the dyadic analysis resource page or view an introductory webinar.