Codes and Frequencies
Description
ARTIFLIMB reports whether the person has an artificial limb or, in 2008, an artificial limb or joint. Please see Comparability and Universe tabs for changes in universe and question wording between samples.
In 1994 and 1995, this variable is part of the Disability Supplement (NHIS-D) that collects information on disability. NHIS-D included two household interviews: in Phase I all members of sample families were screened for any indication of disability; in Phase II persons with any indication of disability were followed-up for additional information. Phase I includes sensory, communication, and mobility problems; health conditions; activities of daily living and independent activities of daily living; functional limitations; mental health; services and benefits; special health needs of children; early child development; education; relationship to respondent; and perceived disability. Phase II includes four Disability Followback Survey (DFS) questionnaires: one for children, one for adults, one for elderly persons (69 years of age and over) without any indication of disability (also called the Supplement on Aging or SOA; only in 1994), and one for persons with a history of polio.
In all other years, respondents with an affirmative response for ARTIFLIMB were then asked about which of the following five categories of artificial parts they used:
- Artificial arm (1969, 1977 1979, 1980, 1990, 2008) (ARTIFARM)
- Artificial leg (1969, 1977 1979, 1980, 1990, 2008) (ARTIFLEG)
- Artificial Hip (2008 only) (ARTIFHIP)
- Artificial Knee (2008 only)( ARTIFKNEE)
- Other artificial limb (2008 only) (ARTIFOTHER)
Comparability
Changes in universe and question wording limit comparability between samples.
In 1990, only persons whose household respondents did not refuse to complete the assistive devices supplement were included in the universe. In 1994 and 1995, this question applied to persons in the NHIS-D Phase I sample. In those years, ARTIFLIMB reports whether the person uses "an artificial leg, foot, arm, or hand" at the time of the interview.
In 2008, this question applied only to sample adults. The question asked if the person uses artificial or replacement limbs or joints to get around.
In 2010 and later years, this question was asked of sample adults, "who use equipment or receive help for walking, climbing steps, or moving around" (LAWALKCLIMPERQ) and applied only to the respondent. In 2010 and 2011, the question was about the use of prosthesis. Beginning in 2012, artificial limb (leg/foot) was asked in the question.
As always, users should employ the prescribed IPUMS NHIS weights.
Universe
- 1990: Persons whose household respondent did not refuse the assistive devices questionnaire.
- 1994-1995: Persons in the NHIS-D Phase I sample.
- 2008: Sample adults age 18+.
- 2010: One fourth of sample adults, included in the Quality of Life supplement (and excluded from the Family Disability supplement), who use equipment or receive help for walking, climbing steps, or moving around.
- 2011: Sample adults 18+ who were selected to receive the Family Disability questions and used equipment or received help with walking, climbing steps, or moving around.
- 2012-2017: Sample adults 18+ who were asked the family disability questions (FDB), were randomly selected to receive the Functioning and Disability (AFD) section, and used equipment or received help with getting around.
- 2018: Sample adults 18+ who used equipment or received help with getting around.
Availability
- 1990, 1994-1995, 2008, 2010-2018
Weights
- 2008, 2018 : SAMPWEIGHT
- 2010-2017 : SUPP1WT
- 1990 : SUPP2WT
- 1994-1995 : SUPP3WT