Epi info file format

Pierre and Miquelon St. South America. United States of America. Related Links. Links with this icon indicate that you are leaving the CDC website. Command Reference. Text Files — There are two basically different forms of text files. Both forms have only one table per file, so there is no need to specify a table. Both forms put the data for one record on a single line. The difference is in how the fields are indicated. All character positions through the last field must be accounted for even if they do not contain useful data the command generator will automatically generate filler fields as required.

The code will create a two-byte numeric variable, capable of storing digits - 9 to 99 inclusive. Now for some examples. To create an empty REC file,. Data are entered into the blank fields on this screen by the user. After entering each record, the user types Y to store the data permanently.

Function-keys are used to navigate existing REC files. A function-key menu appears on the bottom the data entry screen. Chapter 8 in the Epi Info manual Dean et al. Data errors may be classified as either response errors or processing errors Bennett et al.

Response errors refer to differences between the "true" state of affairs and what appears on the questionnaire. These can be viewed as problems in measurement, and as such are discussed elsewhere. Processing errors are errors that occur during data handling.

The most effective way to deal with these errors is to identify the stage at which they occur and reduce them at their source. This may involve:. With double entry and validation, two separate but presumably identical data files are created by independent operators. Researchers often need to share data with colleagues using database and statistical programs other than Epi Info.

Since most of these data programs use proprietary file formats, a minor obstacle is encountered when trying to exchange data among different programs. Although Epi Info manual Chapters 16 and 17 Dean et al. The trick in exchanging data is to find a file format that is common to both programs.

However, when this option is not available, we might resort to a more generic form of data: the fixed-length record format. Fixed-length field record files are also called flat files and card files. Clicking the OK button will create a fixed-length field file with the CAR extension to denote its type. This stands for "card file," a naming convention that dates back to the time when data were stored on punched paper-cards. An example of a fixed length filed file is:. Notice that without additional documentation, the user cannot decipher variable names, variable types, variable lengths, units of measure, coding practices, and so on.

Therefore, card files must be accompanied by data documentation information. The goal of a data documentation file is to provide enough information so that persons unfamiliar with the data file can interpret the file's content. Data documentation should therefore include details about the data file's:. I find it best to document data files with text files included in same directory as the data file itself. This data documentation file may be created with any text editor e.

A DD file for the above flat file listed above. Notice how this data documentation table allows the user to decipher the flat file. For example, we now see that the first three characters in each line record refer to the subject's identification number. Accordingly, the first record is associated with identification number The next two characters store the subject's age. Thereby, the first subject is 21 years of age.

And so on. Data documentation files are especially important when working with fixed-length field files, but are also important when working with data of all forms. Disasters such as fire, theft, and earthquakes do happen, it is important to routinely perform data backup procedures. All elements of a project -- including data files, data documentation files, software settings, computer programs, word processing documents, and so on -- should be backed-up, with copies of backups kept on-site and off.

Backup procedures may entail manual or automated copying of files to removable media e. Backup procedures should be thoroughly tested to ensure that archived files remain uncorrupted and can be easily restored. Procedures should be written up so that so that personnel unfamiliar with backup and restore methods could follow the procedure if the primary data manager is unavailable.

The entire process should be kept simple for success. Epidemiologists and other health researchers need to be aware of the ethics of working with the private nature of research files. This is especially important when data contain personal identifiers and confidential medical information.

It is therefore each researcher's duty to make him or herself aware of local, national, and international laws which may vary and follow ethical guidelines governing use of population-based data. From the Forms section, select a form in your project. This reads the data table associated with your form. Click OK. Click Save Only to save the command in the Program Editor.

The command does not run and the Record Count is not displayed. In the Data Source field, click on the Browse button to browse and select the workbook. Click Open.

First Row Contains Field Names is checked by default. If the first row of the spreadsheet does not contain field names, deselect the checkbox. Select a Worksheet from the list provided in the Data Source Explorer. In the Data Source field, click on the Browse button to browse and select the file to import into Classic Analysis. Select a data table from the list provided in the Data Source Explorer.

In the Data Source field, click the Browse button to browse. Click the Browse button again. Select directory of the file to import into Classic Analysis. Select the file from the list provided in the Data Source Explorer. From the list provided in the Data Source Explorer, select a data table.

Read in the Sample. PRJ project. Open Surveillance. Select RHepatitis. The Build Key button activates. Click Build Key.