Research Areas

Data disaggregation. Health disparities and inequities. Survey methodology. Health economics.

The UCLA Center for Health Policy Research conducts research and provides insight and data to a wide range of public and private health organizations, policymakers, community advocates, partners, and media.

UCLA CHPR shares its research in a number of ways — reports, policy briefs, fact sheets, journal articles, newsletters, online tools, workshops, and conferences, to name a few. Researchers regularly support policymakers and advocates through policy analysis, including assessments and program evaluations. We also advise on the potential impacts of proposed legislation.

UCLA CHPR provides expertise through the following programs:

The California Health Interview Survey (CHIS)

CHIS is the nation’s largest state health survey and one of the largest health surveys in the United States. The CHIS website offers free data files, as well as quick, customized health statistics via its easy-to-use tools, AskCHIS and AskCHIS Neighborhood Edition..

Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Program

The Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Program conducts wide-ranging research on chronic conditions, including asthma, cancer, diabetes, and obesity. The program investigates the causes of chronic disease, such as unhealthy food and living environments, environment and climate, as well as the health, social, and economic consequences.

Health DATA

Through in-person and online workshops, the Health DATA Program helps policymakers, community groups, and health and advocacy organizations understand and use credible data in their programmatic and policy development work.

Health Economics and Evaluation Research (HEER) Program   

The HEER Program examines the economic impacts of health care policies and programs. From local public health interventions, to statewide efforts to improve Medi-Cal, to national debates on health care financing, HEER staff provide analysis, conduct evaluations, and offer expertise to policymakers and others concerned with health care costs.

Health Equity Program

The Health Equity Program examines the unique health concerns of populations challenged by disparities in health and health care quality along racial, ethnic, age, sexual orientation and gender identity, or socioeconomic lines. In particular, the program is noted for its expertise on immigrants, older adults, and long-term services and supports.

Health Insurance Program 

The Health Insurance Program examines key state and national trends in health insurance coverage, including employer and individual insurance, access to insurance, as well as the health and economic impact of lack of insurance. The program’s biennial publication, “The State of Health Insurance in California,” provides omnibus reporting of important health insurance statistics.

    Our Expertise

    Health care access and quality of care

    Health policy analysis

    Health care economics

    Health survey development

    Health insurance coverage

    Data disaggregation

    Chronic disease prevention

    Immigrant health

    Older adult health

    Mental health

    Oral health

    Children's health

    Women's health

    Survey methodology

    Survey statistics

    Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (NHPI) health

    American Indian and Alaska Native (AIAN) health

    Racial, ethnic, and social disparities in health care access and health status

    Climate change and health policy

    Our Capabilities

    Survey design and implementation

    Health expenditure modeling

    Qualitative research methods (including focus groups and expert interviews)

    Evaluation research (programs, policies, and costs)

    Data training

    CHIS data analysis

    GIS analysis and mapping

    Small area estimation

    Survey data file development

    Statistical consulting

    Community-centered research

    Data dissemination