Description

YBARGLASS indicates whether, at any time during the past 12 months, sample adults and sample children needed eyeglasses but didn't get them because they couldn't afford them.

The Field Representative's Manual for 1999-2000 instructed interviewers to "include all types of financial limitations that prevented the person from getting medical services."

YBARGLASS was one of a series of questions intended to determine if the family's access to health care was restricted because of financial concerns. The survey also collected information about whether, at any time in the past 12 months, sample adults and sample children needed but did not get prescription medicines (YBARMEDS), mental health care or counseling (YBARMENTAL), dental care, including checkups (YBARDENTAL), follow-up care (YBARFOLLOW), and specialist care (YBARSPECL).

Comparability

This variable is completely comparable over time.

Available for 1993-1996, NOTGLASS, which identifies persons who needed eyeglasses but could not get them at some time during the past 12 months, covers some of the same ground as YBARGLASS. However, the question wording for YBARGLASS refers specifically to financial barriers to attaining eyeglasses. The question wording for NOTGLASS is more inclusive; non-financial reasons such as being "too busy" or "missed a bus" were also accepted as barriers to attaining eyeglasses with this variable.

Universe

Availability

• 1999-2018

Weights

• 1999-2018 : SAMPWEIGHT