Description

ARTIFLEG indicates whether the respondent or anyone in the respondent's family had an artificial leg. In 1969, 1977 1979, 1980 and 1990, this question applied to the respondent and the respondent's family. In 2008, this question only applied to respondents and not their family members was only asked of sample adults who had an artificial limb (ARTIFLIMB).

Comparability

Apart from the changes in the universe, the presence of proxy reporting in 1969, 1977, 1979, 1980 and 1990, but not in 2008, could affect responses. In the earlier years, a respondent representing the family answered this question for other family members. The use of observer report (the interviewer) could affect the accuracy of responses in the 1977 survey. In 2008, except in rare cases where disability precluded self-reporting, sample adults themselves answered the question. While self-reporting is usually more accurate than proxy reporting, proxy reporting of this variable is likely to be accurate, since family members are likely to know if a relative in the household has an artificial limb.

Also note the slight change in wording in 2008, wherein the word "foot" is not included in the survey question and no instructions are given in the Field Representative's Manuals as to whether foot should be considered as part of an artificial leg.

Universe

Availability

• 1969, 1977, 1979-1980, 1990, 2008

Weights

• 1969, 1979-1980 : PERWEIGHT
• 2008 : SAMPWEIGHT
• 1990 : SUPP2WT