Description

CHEB reports the total number of live births (or for men, children) they have ever had.

This variable was included in a number of supplements (e.g., the 1976 and 1989 Diabetes supplement and the 1987 and 2000 and forward Cancer Supplements).

In 1989, this variable was included in the Diabetes supplement. Respondents were sample persons ages 18 and older who did not have diabetes. A complementary variable is available for all adults who have confirmed diabetes (DIACHEB).

Please see Comparability and Universe tabs for information on changes in the wording and universe between samples.

Comparability

Changes in the universe affect comparability of CHEB over time. In 1989, this question was asked of sample adults who did not have confirmed diabetes. All respondents in 1989 were instructed to exclude step, adoptive, or foster children, and female respondents were additionally instructed to exclude stillbirths and miscarriages. In all other samples, the question is only asked of women.

The age of the women for whom this question pertained to was 17 and over in 1976 and 18 and over for all years after that. In addition, for 1987 forward, respondents were not explicitly told to exclude still births, though the question specifically asks about live births, and this change may affect comparability.

Universe

Availability

• 1976, 1987, 1989, 2000, 2005, 2010, 2015

Weights

• 1976, 1989 : PERWEIGHT
• 1987, 2000, 2005, 2010, 2015 : SAMPWEIGHT