Description

For sample adults 40 years of age or older, ASPMEDEV indicates if the respondent was ever advised by a doctor or other health professional to take low-dose aspirin regularly to prevent or control heart disease.

This variable was first introduced in 2012 as part of the Million Hearts® Initiative supplement.

In 2021, this question was only fielded beginning in quarter 2. Analysts will need to adjust the sampling weight to account for the limited collection period. For an example of how to do this, including sample code, please see the sampling weight adjustment section of the Variance Estimation User Note.

Related Variables

• ASPMEDSTOP: Advised to stop taking aspirin

• ASPONOWN: Taking low dose aspirin

• ASPTAKE: Now following aspirin advice

Comparability

This variable is completely comparable prior to 2019. Questionnaire design changes introduced in 2019 limit comparability with earlier years. The NHIS questionnaire was substantially redesigned in 2019 to introduce a different data collection structure and new content. For more information on changes in terminology, universes, and data collection methods beginning in 2019, please see the user note.

In 2021, this question was only fielded beginning in quarter 2. Please refer to the variable description for information on adjusting the sampling weight to produce accurate analyses.

Universe

Availability

• 2012-2019, 2021, 2023

Weights

• 2012-2019, 2021, 2023 : SAMPWEIGHT