Codes and Frequencies
Description
For sample adults and sample children who still have asthma (ASTHMASTIL) or had an asthma episode/attack in the past 12 months (ASTHATAKYR), ASTHPRENOW indicates whether they are now taking preventive asthma medication daily or almost daily. The preceding question makes it clear that this type of medicine was designed to "protect your lungs and keep you from having attacks . . . . [and] is different from inhalers used for quick relief." Both oral medicine and inhalers used daily to prevent asthma attacks were to be included for ASTHPRENOW. Please see the Comparability tab for details on changes in response categories.
In 2003, information was also collected on whether persons had used a second type of prescription asthma medication--inhalers designed to give quick relief from asthma symptoms--during the past 3 months (ASTHPINQUICK).
Other asthma-related questions were periodically included in the survey; see ASTHMAEV for a summary of these variables currently in the IPUMS NHIS.
Comparability
Prior to 2013 persons were asked if they were taking preventive medicine to protect their lungs and prevent asthma attacks (noting that this is different form an inhaler used for quick relief) daily or almost every day, with response options of "yes" or "no". Beginning in 2013, responses were modified slightly to: "Every day or almost every day", similar to the previous "yes" category; "less often", a new category; and "never", similar to the previous "no" category. Users should be aware of this addition before making comparisons across years.
Additionally, changes in universe may limit comparability of this variable over time. In 2003 and 2008 the question was asked of sample adults and sample children who had an asthma episode in the past 12 months or who still have asthma AND who have ever taken daily preventive asthma medication. Beginning in 2013, the specification about ever having taken daily preventive asthma medication was dropped.
Universe
- 2003; 2008: Sample adults age 18+ and sample children under age 18 who had an asthma episode in the past 12 months or who still have asthma AND who have ever taken daily preventive asthma medication.
- 2013; 2018: Sample adults age 18+ and sample children under age 18 who had an asthma episode in the past 12 months or who still have asthma.
Availability
- 2003, 2008, 2013, 2018
Weights
- 2003, 2008, 2013, 2018 : SAMPWEIGHT
