Codes and Frequencies
Description
For sample adults who have a dizziness or balance problem that prevents them from doing things, BALEFADL indicates whether the balance or dizziness problem caused the person to change or cut back on bathing, dressing, feeding or going to the toilet themselves. The questionnaire included the instructions, "Do not include times when drinking alcohol." Interviewers were also instructed to mark "No" for respondents unable to do the activities for reasons other than balance. The Field Representative's Manual provides the example that if the respondent missed work in the previous week because of a back problem unrelated to the balance problem, then the interviewer should mark "no" for this question.
In 2008, this variable was part of the Sample Adult Balance Supplement, sponsored by the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders.
The supplement consisted of a total 205 questions (some of which were only asked based on a previous response). For a further description of the Balance Supplement, as well as a full list of the balance-related topics and additional variables, see BALDIZYR.
Many other variables related to changes in participation (or cutting back) in activities due to balance problems are included in the 2008 supplement.
These include:
- driving a motor vehicle (BALEFDRIV)
- riding in a car, bus, airplane, boat or train (BALEFRIDE)
- exercising or taking walks (BALEFEXER)
- standing for 30 minutes or longer (BALEFSTAND)
- walking down a flight of stairs (BALEFDSTAIR)
- walking or climbing up 10 steps without resting (BALEFUSTAIR)
- social activities such as visiting friends, attending clubs and meetings, or going to parties (BALEFSOCIAL)
- shopping, movies, sporting or other events (BALEFSHOP)
- work or school (BALEFWORK)
Universe
- 2008: Sample adults age 18+ whose dizziness or balance problems prevent them from doing things.
Availability
- 2008
Weights
- 2008 : SAMPWEIGHT
