title: Issues to consider when choosing and using large national databases for research of families.
abstract: Secondary analysis of large national databases offers promise for research of families. In this article, issues that the secondary analyst must consider when choosing a database for research of families are described. Potential advantages and limitations of databases are discussed. Strategies to minimize potential limitations are highlighted.
authors.affiliation: Philadelphia Veterans Affairs Medical Center, USA.
authors.forename: H J
authors.initials: HJ
authors.lastname: Moriarty
authors.forename: J A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Deatrick
authors.forename: M M
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Mahon
authors.forename: S L
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: Feetham
authors.forename: R M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Carroll
authors.forename: M P
authors.initials: MP
authors.lastname: Shepard
authors.forename: A J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Orsi
mesh_terms: D015982:Bias; D002755:Choice Behavior; D003625:Data Collection; D003627:Data Interpretation, Statistical; D016208:Databases, Factual / Q000592:standards*; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology; D022143:Family Nursing; D006801:Humans; D015399:Nursing Research / Q000379:methods*; D009742:Nursing Theory; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012107:Research Design / Q000592:standards*; D013997:Time Factors