Codes and Frequencies
Description
For sample adults age 18+ who were ever told they had arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, lupus, or fibromyalgia (ARTHGLUPEV) or, for years prior to 2019, who had any symptoms of pain, aching, or stiffness in or around a joint during the past 30 days (JNTMO), ARTHLIMIT indicates whether they were "now limited in any way in any of your usual activities because of arthritis or joint symptoms."
The Field Representative's Manual for 2001 forward defined arthritis as "an inflammation of one or more joints of the body, usually producing pain, redness, and stiffness."
Related Variables
The NHIS Survey Description for 2002 noted that the question for ARTHLIMIT was a "new core question" on joint symptoms and arthritis. Several other questions on arthritis were fielded periodically, including inquiries in 2002, 2003, 2006, 2009, and 2019 for:
Comparability
Prior to 2019 ARTHLIMIT is completely comparable over time.
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.
Universe
- 2002-2018: Sample adults age 18+ who were ever told they had arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, lupus, or fibromyalgia or who had pain, aching, or stiffness around a joint in the past 30 days.
- 2019: Sample adults age 18+ who were ever told they had arthritis or a related condition (ARTHGLUPEV).
Availability
- 2002-2019
Weights
- 2002-2019 : SAMPWEIGHT
