Description

INTESTILL2WK indicates whether sample adults and sample children had a stomach or intestinal illness with vomiting or diarrhea that started during the past 2 weeks. The two-week reference period was marked on a calendar card that was handed to the respondent.

The Field Representative's Manual for 1998-2000 noted, "These conditions are respondent-defined and may include such things as stomach flu, gastroenteritis, and so forth, but should NOT include ulcers, which are not infectious." This qualification was not routinely told to respondents.

The Survey Descriptions for 1998 forward contain the following caveat about the interpretation of this variable: "Analysts should keep in mind that the questions (on intestinal illness and colds during the past 2 weeks) are measuring fairly broad symptoms and illnesses. These may be due to acute conditions or chronic conditions (such as irritable bowel syndrome or respiratory allergies). The data are best used to measure trends over time."

In 1999, sample adults who reported having a stomach or intestinal illness with vomiting or diarrhea that started during the past two weeks were asked, "Did you see a doctor for this?" (INTESTMD2WK).

In 2007, NAUSEAYR reports whether sample children had nausea and/or vomiting during the pat 12 months.

Comparability

This variable is completely comparable over time.

Universe

Availability

• 1998-2018

Weights

• 1998-2018 : SAMPWEIGHT