1: Introduction Vitalnet is a comprehensive, integrated system for analyzing health data. Texas PopTrend is the Vitalnet module for analyzing Texas population data. The software is designed to be easily used without a user's guide. However, many users learn better from a written text, and all users will probably benefit from a general overview of what the software can do before using it. This user's guide describes PopTrend Professional Version (VitalPro). The Web Version (VitalWeb) is described at "http://www.ehdp.com/". Either system will greatly ease and speed your work. This user's guide incorporates a tutorial. Carrying out the tutorial will help you quickly become an expert. All procedures you are expected to carry out as part of the tutorial are highlighted by a different text appearance, as shown in this example:

Sample Tutorial Step - Press 'A' to add Texas as one area set.

Here's how this user's guide is organized: Chapter 1: Introduction - Describes general characteristics of Texas PopTrend, access methods, and confidentiality requirements. Chapter 2: Understanding Results - Explains the organization and content of PopTrend tables (the results you get from using PopTrend). Shows and explains typical tables. Chapter 3: Using the PopTrend Interface - Describes how to use PopTrend menus to select parameters, produce tables, and save output, with examples. Guides you step-by-step to produce your first table. Outlines available menus. Chapter 4: Texas PopTrend Parameters - Describes allowed selections for age groups, area sets (counties and regions), race groups, years, and other options. Glossary - Defines terms related to analyzing population data and using PopTrend. Citation for PopTrend - Goldman, DA, Texas Vitalnet User's Guide: Data Warehouse Software for Analyzing Texas Population Data. Austin, Texas. 1998. Browse http://www.ehdp.com/vitalnet/ for more information about PopTrend or to contact EHDP. Acknowledgements - We gratefully acknowledge the cooperation and assistance of staff from the Texas Department of Health and other users.

Advantages and Benefits PopTrend makes it easy to analyze Texas population data. Fast - You get results in seconds or minutes. Depending on the analysis, alternate methods could easily require hours to weeks to complete. Flexible - A wide variety of tables may be produced. Set rows and columns however you want. Standard parameters may be selected and combined as needed. Efficient - You can make a whole series of tables with one keystroke (multi-tables). Bar graphs allow for quick scanning for trends. Easy to use - Operations are menu-driven. Scrolling windows are used to select items from lists. You don't need to know any special codes such as county FIPS codes. Well-documented - Although PopTrend has been designed to be self-explanatory, it also includes extensive on-line help. Each menu has its own help screen. Also, you may select from a list of on-line help topics, providing advice on all topics related to PopTrend. The on-line help complements the information included in this user's guide. Finally, all output is fully documented. Integrates with other software - Tables may be saved to a log file in ASCII format for subsequent editing and printing with any editor. You may also save PopTrend tables in tab-delimited format or as a dBASE III file, for easy importing into data analysis, spreadsheet, mapping, graphing or other presentation software. Or, tables may be saved as HTML for display in a web browser.

Data Within PopTrend PopTrend links and analyzes population and geographic data. Geographic information - PopTrend includes a database of Texas counties and regions, linked to the population data sets. Population data - The Office of Policy and Planning at TDH provides 1980-1989 Texas population data. The Texas State Data Center at Texas A&M provides Texas population data for 1990 and beyond. The Data Center periodically revises its estimates for years between censuses, but the changes are typically small. The population variables are age, county of residence, race, sex, and year.

Access Methods Both local and remote access are available for Texas PopTrend. Local access (PC's and local area networks) - If you are a Texas Department of Health employee, you will typically use Texas PopTrend from the TDH local area networks. Texas PopTrend may also be installed to a stand-alone IBM-compatible PC or laptop running any version of Windows. Execution speed - PopTrend is fast. Analyses that might otherwise take hours to weeks are done in seconds or minutes. For those who access Texas PopTrend on a PC network, the program execution speed depends on the type of PC you are using and the characteristics of the network you are working on. The program has been tested to work well on all IBM-compatible PC's, and simply runs faster on faster PC's. TDH Network Access TDH employees may access Texas PopTrend from the TDH networks. Windows - The following assumes that you are a Texas Department of Health employee, and are using a PC attached to a TDH network. Using any version of Windows, click on the PopTrend icon to start the program. The icon looks like a doctor's bag. If you do not have an icon, request that your network manager set things up so that PopTrend can be run from your network. When you are done - After you finish using Texas PopTrend, you will still be logged on to your own server, so you do not need to reboot your PC. If you have a problem accessing Texas PopTrend from a TDH network, ask your local network manager for help first.

Confidentiality Policy Texas PopTrend users must comply with confidentiality requirements. Confidentiality policy - Your use of Texas PopTrend indicates your agreement to the following conditions: You will not try to use Texas PopTrend results nor let anyone else use Texas PopTrend results for any purpose other than statistical analysis. If you discover the identity of a population number, you will advise the Director of the Bureau of Vital Statistics at the Texas Department of Health of the incident, will safeguard or delete the information that would identify the individual, will make no use of the knowledge, and will inform no one else of the discovered identity.

2: Understanding Results Review - Texas PopTrend is a powerful tool for analyzing Texas population data. The program basically compares anything with anything, and makes just about any kind of output table you want. Chapter 1 explained how PopTrend makes analyzing population data easy, listed the linked data sets used by Texas PopTrend, described the access methods, and spelled out the confidentiality policy. What's in this chapter - Before jumping in and using the program (Chapter 3), it is advised to get a good understanding of the results of the program. This chapter explains the organization and content of PopTrend tables (the results you get from using PopTrend). This chapter explains the four sections of a table: Header - Basic analysis parameters. Data section - Numerical results. Bar graphs - Graphical results. Footnotes - Other analysis parameters. In addition, this chapter shows examples of actual Texas PopTrend tables, to give you an idea of what is possible. You are given an opportunity to practice interpreting sample tables.

Typical PopTrend Table A typical PopTrend table has a header, data section, bar graphs, and footnotes. Population Tabulated by Age and Sex Years: 2000 Place of Residence: Galveston, Harris Age Male Female Total ----------------------------------------------- Birth-19 566,937 547,337 1,114,274 20-39 582,844 574,295 1,157,139 40-59 454,842 471,562 926,404 60-99+ 155,304 202,304 357,608 ----------------------------------------------- Total 1,759,927 1,795,498 3,555,425 Horizontal Bar Graphs (X = 38,856 Population, x = 19,428): Age Male Female ------------------------------------------- Birth-19 XXXXXXXXXXXXXXx XXXXXXXXXXXXXX 20-39 XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX 40-59 XXXXXXXXXXXx XXXXXXXXXXXX 60-99+ XXXX XXXXX ------------------------------------------- Analysis Footnotes: Unique ID, for Keeping Track of Analyses: 414MRQKR Output Produced: Sat Apr 14 10:55:52 2001, by Texas VitalNet Population Data Source (Pre-1990): TDH State Health Data (1/95) Population Data Source (1990+): TAMU TX State Data Center (8/98)

This is a typical PopTrend table. It has 4 parts: The header documents the basic type of analysis that was done. The table analyzes population for 2000 for two counties: Galveston and Harris. The data section contains the results, organized into columns and rows. The columns and rows can be set however you want. In this example, there is one column for each sex and one row for each of four age groups. Verify for yourself that there were 471,562 women age 40-59, 1,759,927 males, and a total of 3,555,425 residents. By the way, each result, such as 471,562, is called a "cell". The horizontal bar graphs represent the results in a simple graphical format, with a legend. In this example, the legend indicates that each 'X' (big X) symbol represents 38,856 population. Although the bar graphs are optional, you should usually include them, because they make it so easy to scan and understand the results. The bar graphs show that the greatest population is in the 20-39 age group, for both sexes. The footnote documents less important aspects of the analysis, such as when the table was produced, and assigns a unique ID to the table for future reference.

Table #1 to Interpret Here is a sample table (footnotes omitted) for you to practice on. Try interpreting the table by filling in the spaces below. Then, check your answers with those on the next page. Population Tabulated by Race-Ethnicity and Sex Years: 2000 Place of Residence: Galveston, Harris Race Male Female Total ----------------------------------------------- White 814,096 846,813 1,660,909 Black 288,063 333,237 621,300 Hispanic 552,787 512,603 1,065,390 Other 104,981 102,845 207,826 ----------------------------------------------- Total 1,759,927 1,795,498 3,555,425 Horizontal Bar Graphs (X = 56,454 Population, x = 28,227): Race Male Female ------------------------------------------- White XXXXXXXXXXXXXXx XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Black XXXXX XXXXXX Hispanic XXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXX Other XX XX -------------------------------------------

Header Basic result type (statistic): ___________________   Years analyzed: ___________________   Geographic areas analyzed: ___________________   Age groups analyzed: ___________________       Data Section    Rows variable: ___________________   Columns variable: ___________________   How many females, total: ___________________   How many Hispanic males: ___________________       Bar Graphs Population count symbolized by big 'X': ___________________

Table #1 Interpreted Here is the same table, and a suggested interpretation. If you had a problem, try reading through the answers again or ask a local data analyst for help. Population Tabulated by Race-Ethnicity and Sex Years: 2000 Place of Residence: Galveston, Harris Race Male Female Total ----------------------------------------------- White 814,096 846,813 1,660,909 Black 288,063 333,237 621,300 Hispanic 552,787 512,603 1,065,390 Other 104,981 102,845 207,826 ----------------------------------------------- Total 1,759,927 1,795,498 3,555,425 Horizontal Bar Graphs (X = 56,454 Population, x = 28,227): Race Male Female ------------------------------------------- White XXXXXXXXXXXXXXx XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Black XXXXX XXXXXX Hispanic XXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXX Other XX XX -------------------------------------------

Header Basic result type (statistic): Population   Years analyzed: 2000   Geographic areas analyzed: Galveston, Harris Counties   Age groups analyzed: All ages       Data Section    Rows used in this example: Row for each race   Columns used in this example: Column for each sex   How many females, total: 1,795,498   How many Hispanic males: 552,787       Bar Graphs Population count symbolized by big 'X': 56,454

Table #2 to Interpret Here is another table. Once again, give your interpretation by filling in the spaces below. Then, check your answers with those on the next page. Median Population Age (Years) Tabulated by Area Set and Sex Years: 2000 Place of Residence: Harris, Hidalgo, Kerr Male Female Total Area Set Median, Population Median, Population Median, Population -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Kerr 40.9 20,139 45.8 22,393 43.4 42,532 Harris 31.0 1,644,682 32.4 1,675,755 31.7 3,320,437 Hidalgo 25.3 268,839 27.3 277,812 26.3 546,651 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total 30.2 1,933,660 31.8 1,975,960 31.0 3,909,620 Horizontal Bar Graphs (X = 3.1 Years, x = 1.5): Male Female Total Area Set Median Median Median ----------------------------------------------------------- Kerr XXXXXXXXXXXXXx XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXX Harris XXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXx XXXXXXXXXXx Hidalgo XXXXXXXXx XXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXx ----------------------------------------------------------- Total XXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXx XXXXXXXXXX

Header Basic result type (statistic): ___________________   Years analyzed: ___________________   Geographic areas analyzed: ___________________       Data Section    Rows used in this example: ___________________   Columns used in this example: ___________________   Harris County median population: ___________________   Total population for areas analyzed: ___________________   Female median population for Kerr County: ___________________       Bar Graphs Median population symbolized by big 'X': ___________________

Table #2 Interpreted Here is the second table again, and our interpretation of the results. If you had difficulty, carefully read the answers again and consult with local data experts for more help. Median Population Age (Years) Tabulated by Area Set and Sex Years: 2000 Place of Residence: Harris, Hidalgo, Kerr Male Female Total Area Set Median, Population Median, Population Median, Population -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Kerr 40.9 20,139 45.8 22,393 43.4 42,532 Harris 31.0 1,644,682 32.4 1,675,755 31.7 3,320,437 Hidalgo 25.3 268,839 27.3 277,812 26.3 546,651 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total 30.2 1,933,660 31.8 1,975,960 31.0 3,909,620 Horizontal Bar Graphs (X = 3.1 Years, x = 1.5): Male Female Total Area Set Median Median Median ----------------------------------------------------------- Kerr XXXXXXXXXXXXXx XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXX Harris XXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXx XXXXXXXXXXx Hidalgo XXXXXXXXx XXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXx ----------------------------------------------------------- Total XXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXx XXXXXXXXXX

Header Basic result type (statistic): Median population   Years analyzed: 2000   Geographic areas analyzed: Harris, Hidalgo, Kerr       Data Section    Rows used in this example: Row for each area   Columns used in this example: Column for each sex   Harris County median population: 31.7   Total population for areas analyzed: 3,909,620   Female median population for Kerr County: 45.8       Bar Graphs Median population symbolized by big 'X': 3.1 years

3: Using the PopTrend Interface Review - Chapter 1 explained how PopTrend makes it easy to analyze Texas population data, listed the linked data sets contained within Texas PopTrend, discussed the access methods, and described the confidentiality policy. Chapter 2 explained the layout of an output table, and presented sample tables for discussion and interpretation. What's in this chapter - Finally, you will get to use the program! This is probably what you have been waiting for! You will learn to navigate the interface, select parameters, and produce a few tables like those you learned about in the previous chapter. The chapter also has a schematic overview of all Texas PopTrend menus, for your reference. Access the program - A tutorial runs through this chapter. All procedures you are expected to do as part of the tutorial are highlighted in a different type style, as shown below. At this point, do the following:

Access and start Texas PopTrend using one of the methods listed previously.

You will either click on a Windows icon, select a item from the TDH menus, dial a number with your modem, or telnet to an Internet address. If needed, get assistance from another Texas PopTrend user. You will start at the Main Menu (shown on next page).

PopTrend Main Menu You will constantly return to the Main Menu. After PopTrend starts, you are presented with the Main Menu, similar to the following, shown running under Windows 98: The Main Menu is the "command center" - You move to submenus to modify parameters, but return to the Main Menu to make a table. The Main Menu lists all parameters currently selected, providing an overview. Highlighting a parameter - One of the parameters, such as "Outcome", is highlighted with a "light bar" that you move by pressing an arrow key. The parameter list will scroll when you reach the bottom:

Press the down arrow key to move the light bar down. Keep pressing to see the parameter list scroll down.

The prompt is worth reading - The Main Menu (and every other PopTrend menu) has a prompt at the bottom with guidance on what to do next. In this situation you can press an arrow key, the ENTER key, one of two letters (P or Q), or '?' for help. Changing window appearance - The font size for the window running Vitalnet may be changed from the Windows toobar. The size "7 x 11", as shown, is a reasonable size. The window running Vitalnet may be toggled to full screen (and back) by pressing ALT-ENTER (hold down the ALT key and press the ENTER key).

Submenus Access a submenu by highlighting an item and pressing ENTER. Selecting parameter to change - To change one of the parameters, highlight the parameter (using the arrow keys) and press ENTER. Immediate changes - Simple parameters change immediately. Try this:

Highlight the color scheme parameter by using the arrow keys. Press ENTER a few times.

Submenu changes - For complex parameters, a submenu will appear and help you change the parameter. For example, to change the geographic selection, you would highlight the parameter "Areas", and press ENTER. Do the same:

Use arrows keys to highlight "Areas". Then, press ENTER to access the submenu.

Geographic Submenu Submenus guide you step-by-step in selecting parameters. Submenu with scrolling window - This is a typical PopTrend submenu. It has a scrolling window with a list of items (currently list of selected counties). One or more of the items may be highlighted by using the arrow keys. PopTrend uses scrolling windows for adding and deleting areas, and for choosing between various other items. Letters are action items - This submenu has a list of actions, such as " E  Delete all sets". Pressing the letter (such as 'E') carries out the action. Carrying out an action - Here is a simple geographic operation:

Press 'E' to delete all areas sets. You may be asked to confirm. Then, press 'A' to add some areas. Highlight "PHR 1", and press ENTER to add. Then, press ESCAPE key to return to previous menu. Note that an item is added to the scrolling window. Finally, press ESCAPE to return to the Main Menu.

Select Another Submenu Access another submenu by highlighting an item and pressing ENTER. Make sure you're back - You should now be back at the Main Menu. Note that "Areas" has been modified (PHR 1). If you are not back at the Main Menu, get assistance from a coworker familiar with using Texas PopTrend. Here is how to access another submenu to modify years:

Use the arrow keys to highlight the years selection. Then, press ENTER to move to a submenu for modifying the years.

Years Submenu Submenus help you quickly and easily change parameters. Submenu for a single range - Your screen should look similar to that shown above. This is the type of submenu used to modify a single range, such as a range of years. Here is how to modify the range and return to the Main Menu:

Press LEFT or RIGHT arrow key to change the low end. Next, press the UP or DOWN arrow key to change the high end. Or, press HOME or END key to select the maximum range. Keep modifying range until you have selected a single year, such as 1990. When satisfied, press 'Z' to return to the Main Menu.

Produce a Table

Press 'P' at the Main Menu when you are ready to make a table.

Check that you at the Main Menu - You should now be back at the Main Menu. You have used the submenus to select a few parameters, and are now ready to produce your first table! Produce a table - From the Main Menu, you can press 'P' to produce output.

Press the letter 'P' to produce a table similar to the following:

Time required - After you press 'P' from the Main Menu, PopTrend calculates the results. The amount of time required depends on which parameters are selected and what kind of computer you are using, but is typically seconds. When PopTrend finishes calculating the results, the output table will appear in a new window, as shown above. Examining the table - You may browse the table with the arrow keys and other cursor keys (PgUp, PgDn, HOME, END). When you are finished examining the table, press the ESCAPE key (or 'Z'). PopTrend will ask if you want to save the table to your log file (see next page). Depending on your access method and which menu options are selected, you may also be asked if you want to print the table or to save to an alternate format (tab-delimited, dBASE III, HTML).

Press the down arrow key and other cursor keys to examine the results. Press ESCAPE or 'Z' when you are finished viewing the results. For now, press 'N' when asked if you want to save or print the table.

Save Results to Log File Each table may be saved to your log file. Purpose of the log file - PopTrend always has a log file ready for saving the results exactly as you see them on the screen. After you finish viewing a table, PopTrend always asks if you want to save it to your log file. If you press 'Y' the table will be appended to the log file (added to the end) as ASCII text. At any time, you may close the current log file and open a new one with a new name. Log file location (local access) - If you are using Texas PopTrend on a local area network or a stand-alone PC, the log file will be saved directly on a network disk or local disk. PopTrend always tells you the location, such as "C:\POPTREND.001" Word processing hints - After you finish using PopTrend, you may edit and print the log files using any word processor. Use a non-proportional font such as Courier to keep the columns aligned. If needed, adjust the page orientation, margins or font size so the text does not wrap to the next line. Directly printing the results - Local users (stand-alone PC or LAN PC) have the additional option of immediately printing an output table. After asking if you want to save to the log file, PopTrend asks if you want to print the results. By the way, if you never want to print, you may disable printing from the Main Menu.

Formats for Exporting Results may be saved to a tab-delimited, database, or HTML file. Saving to a second format - After you finish viewing the results, PopTrend may ask if you want to save to a tab-delimited, HTML, or dBASE III file. If you never want to save to these optional file formats, set the "Second Format" option on the Main Menu to "None". Tab-delimited file (best for spreadsheets) - As shown below, tab-delimited output has a tab between each output item, and each text item is surrounded by "double quotes". Bar graphs are not included in tab-delimited output since the purpose of tab-delimited output is usually to import into presentation software capable of more sophisticated graphics. Tab-delimited output is ideal for importing into spreadsheet software. Tab-delimited output can also be imported into other types of software, but dBASE III format is usually better. "Population" "Tabulated by Race-Ethnicity and Sex" "Years: 1990" "Place of Residence: PHR 1" "Race" "Male" "Female" "Total" "--------------------" "White" 250520 269745 520265 "Black" 17348 18589 35937 "Hispanic" 85674 82065 167739 "Other" 5259 4938 10197 "--------------------" "Total" 358801 375337 734138 "Analysis Footnotes:" "Unique ID, for Keeping Track of Analyses: 414YARTW" "Output Produced: Sat Apr 14 10:41:02 2001, by Texas VitalNet" "Population Data Source (Pre-1990): TDH State Health Data (1/95)" "Population Data Source (1990+): TAMU TX State Data Center (8/98)"

Example of Tab-Delimited Output dBASE III file (useful for many other applications) - The results may also be saved to a dBASE III database file. Database files are excellent for importing into almost any data analysis, graphics, spreadsheet, mapping or other presentation software. Field names are automatically imported along with the data. Suppressed cells are represented by the number "-1". dBASE III limitations - 1) Header information listing analysis parameters is not included. To help out, you may want to set the name of the dBASE file to the same name as the table ID, such as "405MFAQB.DBF" so you can refer to the table later. 2) No more than 128 output columns may be saved to a dBASE III file. This will rarely if ever present a problem, because an unlimited number of rows is allowed.

Explore the Data PopTrend allows rapid exploratory data analysis. The analysis cycle - Exploratory data analysis means you systematically refine your analyses. Once you have made a table, look it over. If it meets your needs, save it to your log file. Possibly save the results to a tab-delimited file or a dBASE III file. Next, look over the parameters on the Main Menu, highlight the parameter you want to change, and press ENTER. A submenu will lead you through the modification process. After setting all parameters as desired, return to the Main Menu and produce another table by pressing 'P'. Try it:

At the Main Menu, modify a parameter or two. Then press 'P' to produce and view another output table. Try some of the sample analyses shown later.

Hints for avoiding misinterpretation - Double-check the header and footer of each table to verify it was the analysis you intended. Use confidence intervals to help decide if differences are statistically significant. Find the right balance between: Aggregation (easier to present, more stable rates). Stratification (more detail, shows differences). Acknowledge limitations in population data, including possible census miscounts, and difficulty projecting population estimates to years between censuses. Use confidence intervals to help decide if differences and trends are statistically significant. If uncertainties remain, contact staff from the Bureau of Vital Statistics for advice.

Continue with Analyses PopTrend lets you quickly carry out a wide variety of analyses. It's easy - Once you get the hang of it, using PopTrend is a snap. If you have gotten this far, you should be able to carry out about any analysis you desire. Explore the menus. Don't be afraid to experiment and try out different options. Refer to the help files and to other sections of this user's guide. On-line help - Although PopTrend has been designed to be as self-explanatory as possible, it also includes extensive on-line help. To access on-line help from any menu, press '?'. A help screen will appear, with information related to the current menu. After viewing the help screen, a scrolling list of help topics will appear, for your selection. Try it:

At the Main Menu, press '?' and explore the help system.

Quitting PopTrend - The 'Z' or ESCAPE key always returns to the previous menu. Later, when you are done, you may press the 'Q' key from the Main Menu to quit PopTrend. What other menus and options are available? - If you have done the examples in this chapter, you should have a good understanding of how to use PopTrend menus to select parameters. However, you have just scratched the surface of the capabilities and power of PopTrend. For your reference, the following pages list all of the Texas PopTrend menus. The purpose of the list of menus is to help you become aware of what is available so that you can take fullest advantage of the power of the software. Do this:

Referring to the outline on the next pages, explore the menus to learn what is available.

Outlines of Submenus Using Texas PopTrend, explore the menus listed below. Main Menu allows you to: First, design table layout: Statistic Menu Columns Menu Rows Menu Multi-Tables Menu Next, modify data variables: Age Groups Menu Area Sets Menu Race Groups Menu Sex Menu Year Ranges Menu Other Settings from Main Menu When ready, carry out an action: Produce Table(s) Exit PopTrend

Submenus for Designing Table Layout Using Texas PopTrend, explore four menus for designing table layout.

1) Statistic Menu sets type of result: Median population age Percent total population in age group Population 2-4) Row / Column / Multi-Table Menus. Row / Column / Table for each selected: Only one row Age group Area set (may sort rows) Race group Sex Year

Submenus for Modifying Data Variables, Other Settings Using Texas PopTrend, explore menus for modifying variables.

Race Menu: Select one or more races to analyze Sex Menu: Select one or more sexes to analyze Year Ranges Menu: Select a standard set, such as 2-year Extend upper / lower end of year range Split year range into individual years Delete a year range Age Groups Menu: Select standard set, such as 10-year Extend upper / lower end of age group Split age group into separate groups Delete an age group Area Sets Menu: Add areas / area sets (submenu) Add preset list of areas (submenu) Change area grouping type Show list of areas, possibly print Delete one / all area sets Combine area sets into new set Split an area set into components Other settings from Main Menu: Change log file for saving output Enable display of bar graphs Enable dBASE, delimited, HTML output Enable row / column percents in output Set color scheme Set confidence level, or turn off Set level of detail for trends Set number of decimal places to show

More Practice Analyses For additional practice, and to gain more understanding of how Texas PopTrend can speed and simplify data analysis, carry out the following sample analyses. Columns are by sex for each practice table, unless otherwise noted.

For each practice analysis, select the parameters as shown below. Then, press 'P' from the Main Menu to produce output.

1. 1995 population by age, separate table for each county:       Statistic - Population     Area sets - All       Second format - Delimited     Row for each - Age group     Races - All     Table for each - Area set     Ages - 20-year groups     Years - 1995   2. Counties ranked from high to low by median age of population:       Statistic - Median population age     Area sets - All counties     Years - 1995     Column for each - One only     Row for each - Area set     Races - All     Table for each - One only     Ages - All ages     3. Time trend for median age of female population:       Statistic - Median population age     Area sets - All counties     Years - All     Column for each - One only     Row for each - Year     Races - All     Table for each - One only     Ages - All ages     Sex - Female     4. Race / sex breakdown of population for one area       Statistic - Population     Area sets - Travis     Years - 2000     Column for each - Sex     Row for each - Race     Races - All     Table for each - One only     Ages - All ages     Sex - Both

4: PopTrend Parameters Review - In the previous chapters, you have learned what PopTrend is and how to use it. Chapter 1 explained that PopTrend analyzes Texas population data, listed the linked data sets, discussed access methods, and outlined confidentiality requirements. Chapter 2 described the layout and interpretation of an PopTrend output table. Chapter 3 showed how to use the interface to select parameters and produce output tables. What's in this chapter - This chapter lists and explains the parameters and special options you may modify using the Texas PopTrend interface. PopTrend allows great flexibility in selecting and modifying parameters. The program allows you to mix and match parameters with unprecedented ease. For your benefit, PopTrend prevents you from selecting incompatible parameters. Here are the parameters and options covered in this chapter: Age groups Confidence intervals Decimal places Sex Geographic selection (Area sets) Multi-tables Race groups Ranges of years Statistic Table columns Table rows Table row sort settings Trend analysis

Statistic [Outcome] The statistic is the basic type of number in a table. What is a statistic? - Every table has a statistic. The statistic (or outcome) is the basic type of data generated in an output table. Available Statistics - Population Median population age Percent population in age group Each statistic is defined in the glossary, and on-line help files give calculation methods.

Columns, Rows, Sorting Table columns and rows may be set however you want. Columns and rows - Every table has columns and rows. Columns and rows may be set to any of the following: Example of table rows and columns - A previous interface example shows the Main Menu with a column for each sex and a row for each race group selected. A previous output example shows the resulting output with separate columns for Male and Female, and a row for each race. Sorted rows - A table with a row for each selected area set may be sorted: Unsorted rows: Area sets are in alphabetical order, such as Bexar before El Paso. Rows sorted from high to low by total data Rows sorted from low to high by total data

Multi-Tables You may automatically produce a series of tables. Population Tabulated by Race-Ethnicity and Sex Years: 1990 Place of Residence: Anderson Race Male Female Total -------------------------------------- White 17,023 15,656 32,679 Black 7,714 3,387 11,101 Hispanic 2,910 1,037 3,947 Other 174 123 297 -------------------------------------- Total 27,821 20,203 48,024 *** Tables omitted to save space *** Population Tabulated by Race-Ethnicity and Sex Years: 1990 Place of Residence: Zavala Race Male Female Total ------------------------------------- White 446 511 957 Black 277 8 285 Hispanic 5,392 5,482 10,874 Other 26 20 46 ------------------------------------- Total 6,141 6,021 12,162

Purpose of multi-tables - Suppose you want to make a separate table for each county. It would be tedious to select the first county, make a table, select the second county, make a table, etc. Multi-tables automates the production of such a series of tables into one operation. The multi-table setting may be one of the following: Only one table (the default) One table per selected age group One table per selected area set One table per selected race group One table per selected year

Geo Selection [Area Sets] Every table has a geographic specification. Geographical Areas - Texas PopTrend analyzes data to the county level. Texas has 254 counties, organized into regions (a group of several counties), as follows:     · 11 Public Health Regions (PHR's) (Effective 3/1/93)     · 24 Councils of Government (COG's) You may select any combination of areas - PopTrend makes it easy to compare results between different groupings ("sets") of geographic areas (counties and regions), or limit analysis to specific geographic areas. One or more geographic areas may be combined into an area set, and compared with other sets. Selection is quick and easy - All geographic operations are grouped together on one submenu, to allow quick and easy selection of any combination of areas desired. A previous interface snapshot shows the main geographic menu. Predefined lists of area sets - PopTrend also includes standard lists of geographic areas used in Texas. For example, you may automatically specify that you want one set for each county, or one set for each Public Health Region, or one set for each border county.

Other Variables Race Groups You may select one or more race groups to analyze. A separate submenu allows easy selection. When analyzing data by race, keep in mind that differences in health status between races may be due to socio-economic differences. Each population count is classified as White, Black, Hispanic, or Other, according to the following method: If race is reported as Black, the category is "Black". If race is reported as Chinese, Japanese, Hawaiian, Filipino, Asian Indian, Korean, Samoan, Vietnamese, or Guamanian, the category is "Other". Of the remainder, those said to be of Hispanic origin are counted as "Hispanic". Of the remainder, if race is reported as Other, North American Indian, Central or South American Indian, or not classifiable, the category is "Other". All remaining are classified as "White". Age Groups PopTrend is extremely flexible and lets you combine and analyze age groups any way needed. You may select any continuous range of one or more age groups to analyze, such as 22-34. In addition, you may select a set of age ranges, such as birth-9, 10-19, 20-39, 40-64, and 65-99+. The program will let you know which age groups are available for use. Standard age groupings, such as 5-year, 10-year, and 20-year age groups are easily selected. Age groups may be combined in any way desired. Up to age 21, an age group may be any range of 1-year ages (for example, 3 or 11-17). For 22 and over, an age group may use any combination of 5-year groups (for example, 40-44 or 30-49). Due to availability of population data, the highest group is currently 75-99+ (75 and over). Sex You may select Male, Female, or both sexes combined. Years You may select any continuous range of one or more years to analyze, such as 1980-1983. In addition, you may select a set of year ranges for comparing, such as 1990-1991, 1992-1993, 1994-1995. The program will let you know which years are available for use. Standard groupings, such as 1-year, 2-year, and 3-year groups are easily selected. Year groups may be combined in any way desired.

Other Settings Confidence Intervals Confidence interval definition - A confidence interval (also known as a confidence limits) is the range of values within which the true value of a variable is thought to occur, with a specified confidence level (95%, 90%, 80%, etc.). A higher confidence level (for example, 99%) is more stringent and results in a smaller interval than a lower confidence level (for example, 80%). Use the 95% confidence level unless you have a reason to do otherwise. Methods for confidence intervals - Confidence intervals for trend analysis are calculating using Student's t-distribution.

Decimal Places PopTrend also allows specification of the number of decimal places in your results (0, 1, 2, 3).

Trend Analysis PopTrend automatically carries out trend analyses. Purpose of trend analysis - When analyzing data with a year for each row, you usually want to know: Is there a trend up or down? Is the rate increasing or decreasing? Statistical analysis is helpful in quantifying the answer. Least-squares line shows the trend - PopTrend automatically carries out a "least-squares" analysis for a time series. This finds the best straight line to describe the data for each data column. The line is defined by the value for the first year ("Y-intercept"), and the amount of change per year ("slope"). Confidence intervals show if significant trend - PopTrend also calculates a confidence interval for the slope. If the confidence interval does not include 0, there is a significant trend. Simplified presentation - PopTrend allows the user to substitute a simplified presentation (not shown) that only says whether the trend is significantly up or down for each column. Population Tabulated by Year and Sex Place of Residence: Texas Year Male Female Total ---------------------------------------------------- 1995-1997 28,369,279 28,922,310 57,291,589 1998-2000 29,726,292 30,373,548 60,099,840 2001-2003 31,240,811 31,934,698 63,175,509 ---------------------------------------------------- Total 89,336,382 91,230,556 180,566,938 Horizontal Bar Graphs (X = 2,128,980 Population, x = 1,064,490): Year Male Female -------------------------------------------- 1995-1997 XXXXXXXXXXXXXx XXXXXXXXXXXXXx 1998-2000 XXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXx 2001-2003 XXXXXXXXXXXXXXx XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX -------------------------------------------- Detailed Least-Squares Analysis, to Detect Linear Trend: Column 1995-1997 Y-intercept Slope 95% CI (1 df, t=12.706) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Male 28,343,028 +1,435,766 +858049 to +2013483 ** Female 28,903,991 +1,506,194 +1103047 to +1909341 ** Total 57,247,019 +2,941,960 +1961096 to +3922824 ** ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Y-intercept and slope may be used to draw least-squares line. If confidence interval (CI) does not include 0, trend is significant [**].

Significant Upward Trends for Population

Glossary

Area set - One or more areas combined, for example Galveston and Harris counties.

ASCII file - A text file, with only alphabetical, numerical, and punctuation characters, like you would see in normal text. PopTrend can produce ASCII format output.

Bar graphs - A section of an PopTrend table. Gives a simple graphical representation of the data. May be omitted from the output table.

Cell - A space for a single numerical result in a table, at a row-column intersection.

COG - Council of Government. Groupings of Texas counties. There are 24 COG's.

Columns - Vertical lists of data in an PopTrend table. Each column may be one of the following: age group, area set, race, sex, or year.

Confidence interval (confidence limits) - A range of values within which the true value of a variable is thought to lie, with a specified level of confidence. The smaller the interval, the more reliable the result. If the 95% confidence intervals do not overlap, there is a statistically significant difference.

Confidence level - The likelihood that the true value of a variable is within a confidence interval. For example, for confidence intervals at the 95% level, we are 95% certain that the actual value of the variable is within the interval.

Cursor key - Arrow, PgDn, PgUp, Home, or End key. Used to move through an output table, or to move a light bar to another option.

Data Warehouse - Software such as PopTrend making large complex databases readily available for querying and analysis.

dBASE III format - A file format derived from the database software of the same name. Files in dBASE III format may be readily imported into almost any data analysis, graphing, mapping, or other presentation software.

Denominator - The number on the bottom of a fraction. Population data are often referred to as "denominator data" as they are used to calculate rates.

ENTER key - A key on your keyboard. Sometimes called RETURN key. Often used to select an item or complete an operation.

ESCAPE key - A key on your keyboard, often on the upper left. Tells PopTrend to return to a higher-level (previous) menu. Pressing 'Z' usually does the same thing.

Export - Produce output that can be read into other computer programs. PopTrend exports ASCII text, HTML, tab-delimited files, and dBASE III files.

Footnote - Last part of an PopTrend table. Lists other details of the analysis, such as the date and time produced, and the data sources. Each table is assigned a unique ID, listed in the footnote, to assist you in keeping track of and organizing analyses.

Header - First part of an PopTrend table. Lists basic parameters you selected to define the table, such as years analyzed.

Import - Read information into a computer program. ASCII text, tab-delimited files, and dBASE III files from PopTrend are easily imported into word processing, spreadsheet, data analysis, mapping, graphing, and other presentation software programs.

Internet - A network of networks, based upon standard protocols. Texas PopTrend may be accessed from the Internet by using the telnet communications program, or from within a web browser.

Kermit - A file transfer protocol that may be used by remote users to download PopTrend output files when finished using PopTrend.

Least-squares - A standard method for fitting the best straight line to a set of points. Produces a Y-intercept and a slope defining the least-squares line.

Light bar - A highlighted area on the computer screen that you can move by pressing an arrow key or other cursor keys. The light bar highlights an item that you may select, add or delete.

Local area network - A computer networking product, such as Novell Netware or Windows NT. Texas PopTrend may be accessed from a local area network.

Log file - A computer file for saving PopTrend tables, and other PopTrend output.

Main Menu - The top level PopTrend menu. All parameters are summarized on the Main Menu, and you will always return to the Main Menu before producing a table.

Median population age - An excellent measure of the average age of a population. The median is the middle value. Assuming a population of 100,000 people, 50,000 people would be older than the median age, 50,000 younger.

Modem - A device for connecting to another computer over a phone line. Texas PopTrend may be accessed by modem.

Multiple age groups - One age group for each row or column of a table, or one age group for each table in a set of multi-tables. Example: Birth-19, 20-39, 40-59, 60-99+.

Multi-tables - PopTrend option to automatically produce a series of tables. There may be one table for each selected age group, area set, race, sex, or year.

Password - A personal identifier possibly required for telnet or modem access to Texas PopTrend. Do not disclose your password to anyone else.

Percent total population in age group - A population statistic. Useful for assessing the relative age of the population. If the total population is 100,000, and 8,000 are under age 10, the percent of the total population under 10 is 8 percent.

PHR - Public Health Region. Groupings of Texas counties. There are 11 PHR's.

Population - The number of people living in an area.

Rows - Horizontal lines in an PopTrend table. Each row may be one of the following: age group, area set, race, sex, or year.

Row sort settings - Area rows may be sorted in ascending (high to low) or descending (low to high) order, based on total data for each row.

Set - A combination of one or more things. An area set could include Galveston and Harris counties.

Single age group - Only one age group (30-49, for example) is selected. A single age group is used for tables that do not have age columns or age rows.

Stand-alone PC - A desktop or laptop computer running off its own local hard disk. PopTrend may be installed on a stand-alone PC.

Statistic - In PopTrend, the basic type of number generated in a table: population, percent total population in age group, median population age. Also called "outcome".

Submenu - A menu accessed from a higher level menu. A submenu helps select or modify a parameter listed on the higher level menu.

Table - A set of results produced by PopTrend. A table has four parts: header (basic analysis parameters), data section (numerical results), optional bar graphs (simple graphical representation of the data), and footer (less important analysis parameters).

Tab-delimited format - A type of computer output that is readily imported into other software, especially spreadsheet software. Each output item is separated by a tab from surrounding items, and each output text item is surrounded by "double quotes".

Telnet - An Internet program for logging on to a remote computer. Texas PopTrend may be accessed by telnet.

UNIX - A widely used computer operating system. PopTrend can run on UNIX. Remote access to Texas PopTrend by modem and telnet is to a UNIX computer.

User ID - A unique user name possibly required for modem or telnet access to Texas PopTrend. Do not disclose your user ID to anyone else.

VT100 - A widely used "terminal emulation". A terminal emulation specifies how to display information on a computer screen. PopTrend telnet and modem access use vt100 emulation.

Windows - A very widely used set of PC operating systems, including Windows 3.1, Windows 95/98, and Windows NT. PopTrend will run under any version of Windows.

World Wide Web - A very widely used part of the internet that may be easily accessed with a web browser. PopTrend may be remotely accessed by clicking on a link from a web page.